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.

Growing a Reader

Since today is the first official day of spring (though it certainly doesn't feel like it around here...), writing about growing seemed fitting. Instead of flowers, I thought I'd talk about growing a reader.

One of the most important things you can do for your child is to instill a love of books at a very young age. Reading to her often is the best way to foster this affinity for books and reading. It’s important to remember, though, to make reading fun for your child.

One way to make reading time feel special is to designate a certain time of day for reading. Children love routines, and they will enjoy knowing that they can expect to read at that set-aside time. This is not to say that you can’t read at other times during the day, too, but just try to be consistent about making time for your routine. Your child will undoubtedly remind you if you forget. J

 

Even during your special reading time, your child may not always be thrilled about staying still for too long. Young children have very short attention spans and are often unable to sit through a whole story. That’s okay! Don’t force your child to finish it with you. You can always come back to the book another time, and forcing her to finish it will likely attach a negative feeling to reading. If you’re reading to a toddler who likes to move around a lot, just continue to read while she’s doing other things near you. You’d be surprised how much she’s paying attention to the story even when it seems like she’s not.

Finally, show your child how much fun reading can be by reading your own books. Your little one is always watching you to see what you’re doing, and she loves mimicking your actions. Show her that you love to read, and it really will affect her desire to read, too.  

So remember: read often but don’t force it. It really will do wonders for your budding readers! And, in honor of spring, I thought I'd share a link to one of my new favorite books about spring, And Then It's Spring by Julie Fogliano. Enjoy!