How to Read to Young Children

Reading to your young child for 10-15 minutes everyday is important for many reasons. Storytime is a time when a young child has Mom or Dad's undivided attention. Reading is relaxing for both parent and child. There are several benefits to taking the time to read to your young child.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 10 minutes
• age appropriate books

1. It is never to early to start reading to your young child. Singing or humming nursery rhymes to your infant is a great way to start a routine that includes reading everyday.

2. Keep storytime short. A toddler may not be able to sit still for more than one very short story. As your child grows, so will his attention span.

3. Use age appropriate books for your child's storytime. Books made out of material are great for a teething baby. Books with large, colorful pictures will capture the attention of your toddler. Board books are fun for a preschooler.

4. Your child's imagination is stimulated when stories are read to him. Label objects in the story for your toddler. Ask preschoolers questions about the story you have just read to them. Pretend you are a character in the story and act it out for your child.

Tips & Warnings

• Make storytime fun and part of a regular daily routine.
• If your child doesn't want to listen to a story, don't force him. Come back and try again later in the day.
• Toddlers like to listen to the same stories over and over again, indulge them.
• Don't skip storytime as a punishment for your child.

Resources

• The Going-to-Bed Book
• Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes (Baby Board Book)
• P'kolino Book Buggee

[marthareggie]

on 6/21/2009 Reading is very important. Moreover, when you read to your kids, as they become older, more than likely they will become avid readers. In sum, instilling the values that you want in your kids are important. Rating: 5*

[hazelknows]

on 3/5/2009 I think reading to children is so important. Thanks for the tips.

[PhiMcRee]

on 1/21/2009 Excellent. I think parents often forget these how important these little things are.

[FrazzledNanny]

on 1/20/2009 I did this with my girls and now I do it with my grandkids. Thanks for the article. 5* RRC