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While most couples celebrate Valentine's Day, you can celebrate another fun day in February with your children. National Take Your Child to the Library day happens on the first Saturday in February, but you don't have to wait for that special day to take them. Books are great for babies and children as it helps to teach them language for talking and skills to learn to read.
Even the trip to the library can be educational. Narrate what you see, pay special attention to what your child focuses on, and follow their interests. For example, if they are looking at a bright red car, talk about the color, if it's big or small, how many red cars there are, and what sound it makes. You can also talk about the different flowers, textures (grass vs. concrete), animals, and anything you may see on the way to the library.
Here are some tips on how to share books with your child at different ages:
Newborns
- The best books for babies are black and white books because it is easier for babies to see contrasting colors.
- Hold the book 6-8 inches away from your baby.
- Talk in simple terms about the pictures.
6-8 Months
- Name and point to the pictures your baby shows the most interest.
- Help your baby turn pages.
- Act out pictures using your face, hands, and voice. Be silly!
12-14 Months
- Name the pictures your child is pointing to or looking at.
- Help your child turn pages.
- Ask your child questions she can answer by pointing, like: "Where's the doggie?" or "Where's the happy baby?" or "Who says meow?"
- Imitate the sounds your child makes while looking at a picture. Then add a short phrase, such as "'Moo,' the cow says 'moo.'"
2-3 year old
- 1. Start a conversation by repeating an important word your child said: "Yes, that's a ball. The girl has two balls."
- 2. Count pictures and wait for your child to repeat the numbers after you "One duck, two duck, three duck, four duck…."
- 3. Ask questions like: "What's going on here?" "Tell me what you see on this page."
- Respond with enthusiasm to your child's questions and comments.
- Ask your child to show you all the similar things in a picture. You can say: "Can you find all the blue things?" or "Show me all the things that can fly."
Preschoolers
- Write your child's name, especially the first letter.
- Make letters from clay or use magnetic letters.
- Point out and name letters when reading alphabet books, signs, or labels.
- Read alphabet books with clear letters and pictures.
- Take your child to your local public library to borrow books or to enjoy Story Time.
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