Small Doses of Reading
Gabrielle takes a break from playing at her kitchen set and
reaches into her basket of books. She roots around until she finds
her current favorite by Richard Scarry, then delivers the book to
her mother, who knows just what page to skip to. Gabrielle sits in
her mom's lap as the two of them examine the page - her mom
names the orange juice, milk, and waffles and Gabrielle points to
the pictures.
Soon, Gabrielle slides off her mother's lap and moves over
to her stuffed animals. Her mom knows better than to try to finish
the book. For Gabrielle and lots of other toddlers, these little
bits of reading are just right.
Why Should I Read to My Toddler?
Studies show that children with active exposure to language have
social and educational advantages over their peers - and reading is
one of the best exposures to language.
Reading to your child lays the foundation for later independent
reading. But before your child can read independently, he or she
needs a set of skills called emergent literacy skills. These
include:
- having a large vocabulary of words and knowing how to use
them
- understanding that words are made up of smaller sounds (this
is called phonemic awareness)
- understanding that marks on a page represent letters and
words
- knowing the letters of the alphabet
You don't need games, flashcards, or special instruction to
help your child gain these skills. You just need books, your child,
and you. Reading to your child as often as possible is the best
thing you can do to help him or her learn to read
independently.
Helping the Transition to Toddlerhood
Reading aloud is also an important way to help your child make
the transition from babyhood to toddlerhood. Between the ages of 1
and 3, your child will have triumphs and challenges. It can help
for your child to hear stories about other kids and how they
managed fears about what's under the bed and tackled the
challenge of using the potty.
Your child will make big leaps in vocabulary during this time,
and will learn about letters, shapes, colors, weather, animals,
seasons - all of which can be reinforced through books. Choose ones
with many pictures your child can point to and name.
But while eager to learn about the world and experience it, your
toddler also needs a strong connection with you. Reading together
regularly can strengthen that connection, helping your toddler feel
safe and comfortable.
When and How to Read to Your Toddler
Experts recommend you read to your child as often as you can and
that you strive to have at least one scheduled reading time each
day. Choosing regular times to read (especially before naps and
bedtime) is a way to help your child learn to sit with a book and
relax. But you can read anytime your child seems in the mood.
If your toddler will let you, hold him or her in your lap when
you read. It's a great spot for:
- helping your child feel safe, happy, and relaxed
- giving undivided attention
- showing new things
- inviting participation
You'll find that your toddler has a mind of his or her own
and wants to be independent and successful. Nurture these instincts
by offering three or four books to choose from, praising your
child's selection, letting your toddler help you turn pages,
and asking for help as you find things on a page. Your child will
love to finish sentences in books with repetitive phrasing or
rhymes.
Here are some additional reading tips:
- Read whatever books your toddler asks for, even if it's
the same book every night for weeks and weeks (and weeks and
weeks).
- Read slowly enough for your toddler to understand.
- Read expressively, using different voices for different
characters and raising or lowering your voice as
appropriate.
- Use puppets, finger plays (like the "Itsy Bitsy
Spider"), or props while you read.
- Encourage your toddler to clap or sing when you read
rhythmic, sing-song books.
- Talk about the illustrations with your child. Point to items
and name them. Then ask your child to name them with you and
offer enthusiastic praise as he or she does so.
- Ask open-ended questions - "Why do you think the lion is
going into the woods? What do you think will happen next?"
This encourages your child to think about the story and to ask
questions.
- Substitute your child's name for the name of a character
in the book.
- Have fun! Show your child that reading is enjoyable.
Sitting Still Not Required
Trying to read to a toddler who just won't sit still can be
frustrating. It's important to be patient and keep trying. Find
a book or a few pages that capture his or her interest. If you
can't do that, don't force the reading but be sure to try
again later. Remember that toddlers love repetition - if your child
seems uninterested in books, you may need to find a favorite and
read it over and over again.
Some busy toddlers like to stand up while you read to them.
Others like to look at a page or two before moving on to something
else. Keep the book out - he or she may want to return to it later,
which you should encourage. Don't worry if your child can't
sit still for an entire book - his or her attention span will start
to get longer soon. You might want to keep reading even if your
child moves around. Before bedtime, allow your child to touch and
play with favorite toys while you read aloud. The sound of your
voice will be a soothing reminder of your bedtime routine and that
books are a part of it.
You may find that your child sits still better while coloring or
playing with a favorite toy while you read. Don't assume that
because your child isn't looking at you or the book that he or
she isn't interested or listening.
You want your child to have positive associations with reading,
so if you are feeling tense or your child is resisting, consider
setting the book aside and returning to it later.
If your child really doesn't like to spend much time
reading, remember that reading to your child is just one thing you
can do to encourage emergent literacy. You also can limit TV, talk
to your child throughout the day, sing songs together, play rhyming
games, and make up your own stories together. Don't forget to
provide paper and crayons so your child can practice writing.
Choosing Books for Toddlers
Toddlers want to feel included and competent; choose books that
your child can follow along with, especially those with repetitive
text so he or she can fill in words. Maintain your toddler's
interest by choosing books with small amounts of text on the page
and books about topics that you know are of interest.
For younger toddlers (12 to 24 months) you'll want sturdy
board books with pictures (especially photos) of kids doing the
things they do every day. Books about bedtime, baths, or mealtime
are all good choices; so are books about saying hello or good-bye.
Keep active hands busy with lift-the-flap pages and textures to
feel.
Toddlers from 24 to 36 months are beginning to be able to turn
paper pages, so this is a good time to expand beyond board books.
They are also beginning to understand the mechanics of reading and
like books that are repetitive and easy to memorize so that they
can "read" along.
By now you will start to know what your child's passions are
- whether trains, trucks, or stuffed bears, find books about these
things of interest. Children this age also like books about
children, families, and animals.
Toddlers love to look at homemade books, scrapbooks, or photo
albums full of people they know (try adding simple captions).
Poetry and songbooks are good choices for this age group too. You
may find that story time turns into sing-along time.
Making Books Readily Available
Read-aloud time isn't the only opportunity your child should
have to spend time with books - toddlers love to choose and look at
books on their own. Keep books in a basket on the floor or on a low
shelf where your child can reach them easily and look at them
independently. Keep some books in the car and always have a few
handy in your bag for long waits at the doctor or lines at the post
office.
Take your child to the library or the bookstore and let him or
her select books to read at home. Many libraries and bookstores
have toddler story times that your child might enjoy. And let your
child see you reading - he or she is sure to imitate you.
Reviewed by:
Laura Bailet, PhD
Date reviewed: April 2006
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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