Tips for Reading to Toddlers

Recently a library patron asked me for book suggestions for her very active toddler. She wanted to read with her child to introduce her to books and encourage her love of reading but was having trouble getting through any picture book with her. Reading with toddlers can be challenging. If you have an active toddler, here are some tips for creating a positive reading experience:

· Have realistic expectations. Toddlers have very short attention spans and are easily distracted. You may be able to read to them for only a few minutes, and that’s okay. Just put the book down and try it again later, or try another one later.

· Choose your reading time carefully. Toddlers are busy little people, playing, exploring their world and constantly on the move. Snack time, after bath time, before bed, after a walk or a long playing session are all good times to try a story.

· Choose books that you and your toddler will enjoy. Choose books based on their interests, or let them choose books for themselves at the library or bookstore. Make sure the books are ones you don’t mind reading multiple times, as toddlers may want to read the same favorite book (or even the same few pages) over and over again.

· Bring the stories to life. Use exaggerated, funny voices, gestures and sounds while reading. Act the story out or use puppets to tell the story or even sing it!

· Encourage participation. Your child can help you act out the story, join in on repeated words or phrases, or find objects in the illustrations as you read together.

· Choose books that let your toddler explore/invite action. Pop-up books, books with flaps, touch-and-feel books, and board books all allow toddlers to explore through action - lifting flaps, feeling different textures, or turning pages.

· Read often. Let reading become part of your regular routine, even if it’s only for a few minutes a day, so that reading becomes an expected part of the day and a fun family tradition.

Guest post by Allison C.

You're Not Alone: Reading Frustration Affects the Best of Us!

At the library, I hear lots of parents of little ones lamenting about the fact that their kids will not sit still for stories—not even just one. Though this must be frustrating for parents who are eager to pass along a love of books to their kids, it does not mean that their kids are wild, disinterested, destined to be reading failures, or any of the million other conclusions that discouraged parents might consider. The truth is that kids, especially babies and toddlers, have really short attention spans. That’s just how they’re wired. It’s completely normal for them to want to be up and dancing around, rather than nestled sweetly into our laps for a story.

If you’ve ever joined us for one of our Baby or Toddler Storytimes, you’re a firsthand witness to the fact that these little humans are not able to sit for a long period of time. That’s why we do all of the songs, fingerplays, and dancing that we do; it’s a necessity! We also understand that when we’re reading, kids are going to be walking/crawling around and not seeming to be paying a bit of attention to us. And that’s perfectly acceptable!

If you happen to have one of those normal kids who doesn’t want to sit still for a book, read one anyway. You’ll be surprised at how much your children will get from the book, even when they’re playing across the room and appear to be completely tuning you out. Another great way to develop an affinity for books is to just keep them everywhere—in the toy box, on the bookshelf (The best is one that’s accessible to little hands and where you keep some books face-out, so kids are drawn to the pictures on the covers.), in the diaper bag, in their car seat, etc.

Finally, don’t worry! I know it’s easier said than done, but if you’re exposing your children to books often, you’re doing them a world of good. You may not be seeing the fruits of your labor now, but you will…eventually. J

Catch 'em in the act...

...the act of doing something right, that is.  Part of building a child's sense of autonomy and self-confidence isn't simply praising them no matter what, but praising them for specific good behavior.  Set your child up to succeed by giving them small goals that are easily accomplished.

Instead of demanding your two year old sit still for an entire picture book, try dancing to a song or singing a rhyme for five minutes.  This practices lengthening his or her attention span with the added benefit of movement and rhythm. 

Never fear, someday your child will be able to sit still long enough to listen to a picture book...even a chapter book.  Until then, try dancing to Driving in My Car!

Read? My child won't even SIT!

Your child’s attention span is only about a minute for every year he/she is old. For a two year old, that’s only two minutes. We make use of this active age in storytime by incorporating rhymes that involve moving body parts. Ultimately, even if they are moving around while you are reading or rhyming they are still listening. Try to find small bits of time throughout the day to read, rather than making reading a lengthy event.

Instead of singing the familiar words to The Wheels on the Bus, incorporate animal sounds or sounds you hear in your daily life.

The cow in the barn goes moo, moo, moo
Moo, moo, moo. Moo, moo, moo.
The cow in the barn goes moo, moo, moo
All around the farm.

OR while bathing:

The water in the tub goes glub, glub, glub
Glub, glub, glub. Glub, glub, glub.
The water in the tub goes glub, glub, glub
All around the room.

OR while driving:

The cars on the street go vroom, vroom, vroom
Vroom, vroom, vroom. Vroom, vroom, vroom.
The cars on the street go vroom, vroom, vroom
All through the town.