How to Read Aloud to a Baby Up to Two Months Old

Many people do not realize that they should read to their newborn babies; reading to a newborn is an important step in setting the stage for reading skills down the road. Even at four weeks old, you can start to teach your baby to read. As a newborn, your baby's prominent sense is hearing. So as you read to your newborn, you will be assisting him in the development of essential aural awareness and listening skills.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Baby books
• Rocker or comfortable chair

1. Select a book that is based on rhymes or has some rhythm. Since your newborn's prominent sense is hearing, books that provide sing-song sounds will be beneficial.
2. Choose a book that you read to your baby before she was born.
3. Select a quiet place to read to your baby. Too much noise may over-stimulate your baby, minimizing the positive effects of reading.
4. Find a comfortable position in which you can read to your baby. Obviously, you will need to support your baby's head and hold the book. This may be done most effectively in a rocker or another comfortable chair.
5. Vary your voice by using different pitches. You can also change the volume of your voice or place emphasis on certain words.
6. Talk about books or make up your own rhymes as you look at the pictures.

Tips & Warnings

• It's okay to select books that are free of words. Talking to your baby about the pictures is a powerful reading activity.
• Remember that learning to teach your baby to read is a process. Your baby is your guide.
• Don't worry if your newborn isn't looking at the book. He is focusing on listening.
• Don't feel the need to read each word from the book.
• Don't feel the need to read the book from cover to cover. You can read a part of one book and then switch to another.