Raising a happy reader
A love for reading can be cultivated in a child no matter what age. The toddler years especially are a rich time for learning through reading. Even if brain development research shows that children aren’t ready to learn reading mechanics until age 5, that shouldn’t hinder us from exposing very young children to the wonderful world of books.
My toddler is big on books. While he may not be able to read yet, I’ve observed that he is drawn to some books more than others. He can spend many minutes devouring his children’s books. It’s a refreshing change of pace from running around the whole day! What kind of books are great for toddlers? Here’s what I’ve learned so far:
Mirror, mirror on the book. Toddlers are big on “peekaboo.” Flipping a page to see another baby staring back at them reflecting their different expressions is a great way to send them into giggles. Mirrors allow these young ones to focus and track the different movements that the “other baby” makes. Books with mirrors that are about emotions and facial expressions make a perfect tandem. My toddler gets a kick out of making a sad face, a happy face and just seeing his reflection peekaboo right back at him.
Is that a hole in my book? Cut-outs within the book’s pages encourage toddlers to poke around and get fascinated by seeing that next page through the cut-out. His expressions are usually surprise and wonder – always a beautiful image to capture on every learning toddler.
I feel you! Books that offer different textures capture the interest of a baby. Some textures come in the form of tags that a baby can pull. Some books have pages whose surfaces vary from page to page. There could be a roughly-dotted orange on one page, then a fuzzy wuzzy teddy bear image on the next. These learning tools make for a terrific interaction between book and baby.
I hear you! The more senses are engaged within an experience, the more involved a person becomes. Reading a book with accompanying sounds or music makes for great baby entertainment. Some books incorporate sounds within a story, encouraging the reader to press different buttons during certain parts. It makes storytelling come alive!
Big, bold pictures! These young ones may not be able to read yet, but they sure can appreciate imagery. Choose books that have big, bold and sharp images. You don’t need words to tell a story.
Just because they’re not reading age yet, it doesn’t mean very young kids won’t be able appreciate books. Explore the world of books and see what captures their fancy. Is it a picture book on superheroes? How about a book full of flaps and folds? With a healthy exposure to different books and the gentle encouragement of family, a love for reading can begin at a very young age.
