Toddlers and Reading

It is vital to start children’s interest in books from a young age. According to Purdue University, children who enjoy books tend to behave better in school. Even if a toddler can’t yet read, there are still many things you can do to promote interest in the written word.
It is never too soon to read to your child. By the time your child is a toddler, you should have read many different books. Get a wide variety of books to read to your child about all different subjects. You can purchase books from the bookstore or borrow them from the library.
Get your child as involved as possible. First, let them help you pick out the books. When you go to the library, show them the different options and let them make the decisions. They will be excited reading all of the different stories, and you do not have to spend a dime.
Specifically look for books that align with your children’s interests. If your little boy loves dinosaurs, consider a picture book with different dinosaurs. They also have many books that are tied in with popular children’s characters like Mickey Mouse.
Your child should also be an active participant when you are reading. Even young toddlers can turn pages. Ask your child to identify pictures in the book. This is a great way to teach your toddler different words. You can also encourage critical thinking by asking your child to describe a book, a character, a setting or a plot point. You can even have fun acting out parts of the books.
Encourage your child to read to you. Okay, so your child doesn’t read. But that doesn’t mean that he or she can’t pretend to read a book. Children often memorize their favorite stories, and may enjoy pretending to read to you. You can also have them make up a story or draw pictures to their own “books.”
You do not have to be the only person reading to the child. The child may enjoy it if others read to him or her, such as the other parent or a grandparent.
Take your child to story-time. Libraries and bookstores around the country offer story-time for kids of all different ages. If you live in a well-populated area, you might even be able to visit several libraries. These same libraries might offer book festivals and fairs that can further develop further interest in books for your child. For instance, the Southwest Regional Library in Broward County, Florida offers an annual storybook festival with free books, crafts, entertainment and storybook characters that come to life. Different libraries throughout the country offer similar events.
Start a love of book your toddlers. The more you do, the more they will enjoy the magical world of books.