How to Read to Your Child

Library bookshelf

Children love books, so it is very important to read to your child no matter how young he or she is. In fact, reading to young babies helps to stimulate their brain and develop their vocabulary skills. Reading to your child for at least 20 minutes a day is not only a good bonding experience, but it will also help your child to develop a love for reading.

Things You'll Need

• Books
• Library card
• Comfortable place to read

Instructions

1. 

   Choose books for the appropriate age level. There are many age levels for children’s books. For young babies, look for simple picture books that teach words. Books that come in board book form are great for this age group. Books with bold and bright pictures, texture and repetitive words are best for babies under 6 months. For older babies, look for books with simple rhyming text and textures (like the classic “Pat the Bunny” by Dorothy Kunhardt). Picture books that tell a simple story are great for children over a year old. Once your child hits the preschool years, the entire picture book section at the library is fair game.

2. 

   Find an author that your child loves. Even at a young age, your child may develop a love for certain author. So scour your local library for all of the books by your child’s favorites. And remember, pictures are important. Look for books with bold and beautiful illustrations or photographs.

3. 

   Go to the library or book store together. For toddlers and older children, a trip to pick out books together may be in order. You may be surprised at what your child chooses.

4. Find a comfy place to read together. When its story time your child will be excited to sit with you. Sit on a couch or comfortable chair together and snuggle in as you read.

5. 

   Let your child be an active participant in your story time. Ask your child questions about the story as you go along. Ask them to point out certain objects or to repeat words after you. Let your child help to turn the pages of the book-- this will make him or her feel important, like a “big kid.”

6. 

   Point out words or underline them with your finger as you read them. This will help your child recognize how to sound out words.

7. Animate your voice as you read. Talk in a silly voice when you are reading about something funny. Change your voice and add expression to it for different parts of the book.

8. 

   Discuss the book after you read it. Even with a toddler, you can have a mini book club discussion about the book. Ask your child what part he or she liked best and why.

9. 

   Can't squeeze in a daytime story time? Develop a nighttime reading routine. Your child will no longer dread bedtime if you develop a routine that includes reading. A nightly bedtime story is a great way to end the day. If your child is older, this may be a good way to introduce chapter books, as you can read one chapter together per night.

Tips & Warnings

• Book suggestions:

• For ages 0 to 12 months- Ten Little Ladybugs (Melanie Gerth); Counting Kisses (Karen Katz)

• 12 months to 18 months- Pat the Bunny (Dorothy Kunhardt); Chicka Chicka Boom Boom (Bill Martin Jr.)

• Toddlers- Good Night Moon (Margaret Wise Brown); Where’s Spot (Eric Hill); Best Word Book Ever (Richard Scarry)

• Preschoolers- Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See (Eric Carle); The Cat in the Hat (Dr. Seuss)

• Young elementary schoolers- If You Give a Pig a Pancake (Laura Numeroff); Harry the Dirty Dog (Gene Zion); Where the Wild Things Are (Maurice Sendak)