Reading To Children

Reading to Your Infant, Toddler, and Preschooler

Babies are hard-wired for language; humans hard-wired for story. Before babies are physically ability to turn their heads toward the sound of a familiar voice, they recognize it. Before they can string together babbling sounds, they coo when you sing or speak to them. These early experiments with auditory language are important, of course, but just reading to your baby is just as important as talking and singing to him. What are the benefits of reading to your child, and when should you start?

No doubt you received a copy or two of a Beatrix Potter or A. A. Milne book as a baby gift. Classic children’s stories spring to mind for gift-giving occasions, and for good reason: many of us have fond childhood memories associated with being read to. Even very young babies will appreciate the bonding time that comes from the one-on-one time spent reading. Your infant may not be able to see the pages clearly, but he will be able to hear your voice, the cadence of the language, and associate reading with being close to one of his favorite people.

Repetition of Favorites is Comforting

Babies thrive on repetition and routine, so establishing a regular bed- or naptime reading time can create a positive association between reading and comfort. Reading with inflection and excitement can keep your baby’s interest in the reading material. As babies become toddlers, they will appreciate the humor of having a favorite book read in a silly voice.

If you’ve established the importance of reading early, and have demonstrated to your child that you value reading, your toddler and preschooler will internalize its importance, too. Toddlers and preschoolers love familiar books, often asking for the same one to be read over and over. While it may be exhausting, and you find you’ve memorized One Fish, Two Fish without even realizing it, your child will find reassurance in the repetition.

Don’t let reading time test the limits of your child’s attention span. Try reading in short bursts – even taking books with you on errands, to read while waiting at the bank or doctor’s office. Your toddler will let you know when he’s ready to move onto another adventure.

Choose books that are study and can stand up to a toddler’s enthusiasm. Delicate lift-the-flap or pop-up books that are easily torn will only frustrate your child. Instead, choose sturdy board books that can withstand being chewed on or living on the floor of the car.

Broadening Your Child’s Literary Horizons

Once you and your child are ready for additional books to add to your repertoire, your local library is an invaluable resource. Make visits to the library part of your routine outings, and you’ll find that preschoolers delight in choosing their own books. Allowing children ownership in the reading process empowers them and allows them to value reading for its own sake.

You may also find that books on particular subjects pertinent to your family’s current events help children make connections and transitions and ease their anxiety. Again, your local library should have lists of books on potty training, what happens when the new baby comes, when a pet dies, or when kindergarten begins.

As your child begins to read on his, new worlds of information will unfold. If you allow your child to choose what interests him, you’ll find he’s more engaged in reading than if you try to direct his choices. Given a smorgasbord of reading material from which to choose, a child is likely to find something to suit his taste and skill level.

Establishing reading as a pleasurable activity can start in infancy, and will establish a habit that will help your child develop into a lifelong reader and a lifelong learner.