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Why Share Books with Children Who Don't Talk or Recognize Letters?Babies and toddlers can learn from books long before they understand words or stories. When adults or older children read aloud, young children hear the rhythm and sound of language. They learn about listening and begin to get the idea of what a book is. Reading books to infants and toddlers will foster their language development and literacy awareness.
How Do I Get Started Sharing Books with a Baby or Toddler?
Talking to an infant every day introduces her to the spoken word. Singing songs or reciting simple rhymes to her will let the sounds and rhythms of speech become familiar.
Pediatricians say many babies begin to notice pictures at about 6 months of age. A baby who responds to photos or illustrations may be ready to spend time with books. The adult can hold the book so the baby can see it easily, then point to a picture and name it or read the simple words.
Toddlers may want to talk about a book and interact with it. Experienced parents report that it works well to
* call the child's attention to the cover illustration and read the title, author, and illustrator;
* ask the child, "What do you suppose this book is about?";
* allow the child to touch the book and turn the pages while the parent reads it;
* encourage the child to talk about the pictures or the story;
* show the child where the words are on the page;
* point to the words while reading them (sometimes this can slow down the reading, so some readers prefer to do so only once in a while); and
* encourage the child to repeat the words to favorite stories or to "read" the book himself.
What Types of Books Are Suitable for a Baby or Toddler?
Babies like books with pictures of people (especially babies!), animals, or familiar objects. They respond well to cheerful colors and very simple words or rhymes. Some baby books are wordless, and others have no more than three words on a page. Babies like to interact with books -- patting them, chewing them, banging them on the floor. Good baby books are made of cloth, thick cardboard, or soft vinyl. They are durable and easy to clean.
Toddlers like picture books about everyday life with simple stories and rhymes. A toddler may develop a strong preference for books that feature a favorite topic, such as trucks or dinosaurs. At the library or bookstore, parents, librarians, or knowledgeable clerks can help the toddler find books that match his or her interests.
A toddler who is careful not to tear pages is ready for regular picture books. Board books are good for toddlers who are still learning to care for books.
Parents are often concerned when a child asks for the same book over and over. It is healthy for a child to ask for repetition. It shows she is still learning from the book. Repetition helps children become familiar with sounds and word patterns, and it is a building block for learning to read.
When and How Long Should I Read with My Toddler?
Many parents like to make reading part of the daily routine. Bedtime is traditional read-aloud time in many families. For others, before a nap, after clean-up time, or after dinnertime are good times to share books. Having a regular time for reading aloud lets children anticipate reading time and look forward to each day's story.
Waiting for anything -- a doctor's appointment, the bus, the laundry -- can be difficult with a baby or toddler. Reading together can help ease the frustration of waiting. Parents may want to tuck books into a purse or the diaper bag when "out and about."
Pediatricians have become concerned that young children in the U.S. -- even toddlers -- may watch more television than is healthy for them [1]. In some families, parents read their toddlers a story instead of turning on the TV. Visits to the library or bookstore are good opportunities to read new books with your child.
Where Should I Read to My Toddler?
"On your lap!" is often the baby's or toddler's preferred place for a read-aloud. Adult and child should both be comfortable and able to see the pages well. If the book has flaps or other "interactive" features, the child should be close enough to reach them. Side-by-side on a chair or couch is also popular. At naptime or bedtime, it may be best to read while the child is lying in his crib. In a car, the car seat is the safest place for a little one to hear a story.
How Long Should a "Read-Aloud" Last?
A few seconds, a few minutes -- only as long as the baby or toddler is interested. If reading time is a short but pleasant daily experience, the child will probably have more attention for it as he or she grows older. Some parents find that if they sing the words, change their voices for different characters, or use a puppet, the child will pay attention longer. Forcing a child to sit and listen will only make reading a chore.
Who Should Read to Babies or Toddlers?
Mothers, fathers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and even older brothers and sisters can help babies and toddlers learn to love reading. Most toddlers enjoy hearing a story from anyone they know who will read to them. Reading to a child is a good way to bond with her. Some grandparents who don't see a child frequently often like to start each visit by sharing a book or two with the child.
What if My Baby or Toddler Isn't Interested in Books?
The most common advice is, "Keep trying, but don't force the issue." The child will continue to learn about language if people around him continue to tell stories, sing, or recite rhymes with the child, and to talk with him. Some babies and toddlers are just busy learning other things. If they see adults and older siblings reading, they will see that reading can be useful and fun. Some parents like to offer books at quiet times, or when the child is looking for something to do. They may also take the child to the library or bookstore to pick out a book. Such invitations can help children develop an interest in books.
What about Parents Who Know It Is Important to Read to a Child, but Dislike Reading?
A number of factors could cause adults to feel they don't like reading. If the parent had reading difficulties in school and did not receive adequate help, he may still have problems with fluency or comprehension. Perhaps the reading instruction he received was of poor quality or unpleasant in some way that "turned him off" to reading. Family history may also have an influence. In some families, and in some parts of the world where survival requires that all family members have tasks to do, reading might be seen as a distraction from things considered more important.
You might encourage the parent to simply look at the pictures in a book with the child, and to read the words only when he or she is comfortable. Most parents in the United States are aware of how important reading will be in their child's education, and they want to help. You might suggest other family members who enjoy reading to be "designated readers" for the child. The parent could also take the child to library story hours. Libraries also offer packages with audiotapes of popular books. Perhaps the parent would enjoy using audio books with her child. They can sit together and turn the pages of the book as the tape plays.
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