Get Your Toddler Ready for Preschool with These Tips
New research shows that children who love to read are more likely to be successful in all school subjects. How can we instill a love of reading in young children? The truth is that reading skills start before your child even knows the alphabet.
Newborns
From birth, you can begin to read to your child. If you’re not actually reading, just talking to your infant regularly is important so they can begin hearing patterns of speech. Things like narrating what you are doing is a good way to get a headstart with your child’s language skills. Language comprehension is what will help your child learn to speak and eventually, to read.
Here are some book suggestions for newborns, toddlers, and more.
6 Months
At 6 months, when your child is learning to sit up and grasp objects, you can begin to provide board books for your child to look at. Your child will enjoy learning how to turn the pages and view the images.
Early reading begins when parents point to a picture and say what it is. For example, pointing to a dog on the page and saying the word, “dog.”
One Year
When children begin speaking, keep in mind that they understand more words than they can say. This is a good time for stories with a beginning, middle, and end.
Two Years
This is a very important age to read to your child because this is when children will bring you books and ask you to read them. We know how difficult it can be to stop what you’re doing and read, however, we would encourage you to take the time whenever possible to support their love of reading.
Three Years
By the age of three, your child will already have developed reading skills and may already have some favorite books. It is time to encourage some good reading habits.
Here are some ways you can support the love of reading in your toddler.
- Lead by example. Monkey see monkey do. By making time for you to read, your child will be watching to see that reading is an important way of relaxing, learning new information, and a part of life.
- Take frequent trips to the library and make sure to take out books for yourself and for your child.
- If your child isn’t naturally drawn to novels and stories try books with more graphics. They have come a long way since comic books originated.
- Find reading times that are not always before bed. While reading before bed is a good way to relax and end a day make sure that reading also happens during other parts of the day too.
- Create cozy reading spaces in your home and especially in your child’s room.
- Make reading fun! Teaching your child to read may take all the fun out of reading. If you push your little one, they will feel put on the spot. That feeling will last their whole life, and it won’t help them like reading. Make your job all about fun and enjoyment!
Reading with your child is a gift that will enhance their entire life. That’s not just because you’re helping your child develop reading comprehension. You’re also nurturing a deep love of reading. If you struggle and need help, connect with us!
