Explore Through Reading
One Book, Two Books,
Red
Book,
Blue
Book: Making Reading Fun
Summer is here, and between the lemonade stands and outdoor adventures, we can’t forget about learning. You can read about the places you’re traveling and activities you’re planning, or just enjoy the books you’ve come to love. Head to your
local library with your child and stock up for your summer reading lists.
Here are some tips to help you guide your child’s language and literacy skills through the power of reading.
By six months, you should be reading to your child on a regular basis according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Follow these helpful hints to get kids excited about books:
- Make reading fun by singing the text to keep her attentive, making the book interactive by pointing at the pictures, or using books that are fun to touch and feel.
- Point at pictures and say the names of objects out loud. Your baby will listen and learn the importance of language.
- Read for a few minutes every night at bedtime. Soothing routines end the day on a positive note.
Reading every day with your toddler is one of the most important things you can do to help him learn. Check out these suggestions to cultivate a lifelong love of reading:
- Your 12-18 month old can already choose a book off the shelf, so encourage that independence.
- When he looks at pictures of animals imitate animal sounds to bring the book to life for your child.
- “Read” the pages out of order or in whatever order your child prefers.
- Make a baby-proof picture book to teach your child names of family members, friends, pets, and more. Learn more here.
Reading can help prepare your child for preschool by cultivating their conversation skills and increasing their attention span. Here are some tips to get you started:
- The most effective way to read to your child is to actively involve him in the process by letting him react and interact with the book.
- Set up your child for success by selecting books that will help her learn new words.
- Read the world around you. At the grocery store, read labels and find items that start with the same letter to teach the importance of language.
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