Reading and Young Children

Young children love to sit on your lap and have you put your arms around them.They also enjoy listening to you read a book. Reading aloud to children is one of the most important activities for building a child’s academic success. Reading aloud is an easy way to turn children into lifelong learners. Here are some general tips for selecting books to read to young children.

Talk to your infant and toddler. It helps them learn to speak and understand the meaning of words. Even babies enjoy books. You should read to your baby every day starting at six months of age. choose books for infants and toddlers that :

· Are brightly colored.

· Have pages that are heavy, durable, or laminated.

· Have pictures or photos of common objects like balls and bottles.

· Have pictures or photos of children doing everyday things like playing, sleeping, or eating.

· Have only a few words on each page.

· Have simple rhymes or repetition.

· Are about animals.

Sharing books with preschoolers can help them get ready to listen and learn in school. Preschoolers usually like books:

· That tell stories.

· About kids their age.

· About making friends.

· About going to school or the doctor.

· About having brothers or sisters.

· That have simple text preschoolers can memorize.

What else can you do to encourage reading?

· Create a quiet, comfortable place for book sharing.

· Read aloud at least 15 minutes a day to your child. The time and attention you give your child has many benefits.

· Let the baby or child help turn the pages.

· Talk about the book as you read to your child.

· Ask the child questions they can answer by pointing. For example: “Where is the dog?” or “How many rabbits are there?” or “Who says moo?”

· Copy the sound or words the child says while looking at a picture.

· Keep books and other reading materials where your child can find them. Encourage a wide variety of reading materials.

· Develop the habit of reading every day at the same time. For example, just before bedtime.

· Set a good example by showing your child how you read everyday for fun (books, newspapers, magazines).

· Go to the library every few weeks. Help your child find age-appropriate books to check out.

· Take books everywhere you go. Have them in the car for your child to read.

· Limit the amount and type of television you and your child watch.

Source; Colorado Cooperative Extension