What's the Best Way to Read to My Toddler and Why?

As parents, we’ve heard over and over that reading is good for our children, but what are the best ways to encourage reading to our toddlers and why does it matter? First, reading to your toddler encourages language development. Your child will begin to learn new concepts and ideas, increase his vocabulary, understand that words are made of smaller sounds and start to recognize letters. Studies show that exposing your child to language will give her a social and educational boost over her peers. Also, reading now will likely encourage a love of reading throughout your toddler’s life.

How to Read to Your Toddler:

Start by setting aside a time of day that works well for both your child and yourself - before bed is a frequent favorite of families. Though, if your child wants to read more throughout the day, encourage him and if he is not ready to read at the time you’ve set aside, do not force him.

Let your toddler choose the book or choose a book that focuses on a subject she’s interested in. An example is, if she is interested in caterpillars, choose The Hungry Caterpillar to read. Also, look for books that have large colorful pictures and short simple text. Many children at this age enjoy rhyming stories.

When reading to your toddler, engage him in the book by asking questions. Ask questions such as, “Can you point to the red ball?” or “How many flowers are there? Let’s count them.” As you ask questions, you are encouraging your child to think about the story. This also helps him learn about colors and numbers or other ideas he may not quite understand yet. Books allow us to teach more to our children than just reading words on a page.

Another way to engage your child while reading is to encourage clapping, drumming or singing along. Toddlers love music and games, these enhance their reading enjoyment. When you select a book that rhymes or has a sense of rhythm, clap to the beat while you read, or take your child’s hands and tap them on the book so she can feel the rhythm. You can also read stories that have hand motions. Many nursery rhymes include these types of stories such as “The Itsy Bitsy Spider” or “Hickory Dickory Dock”. Teach your toddler the motions as you read the story.

Finally, reading does not only have to take place within the home. When you are out and about, point out letters on road signs, read labels to your toddler in the store, sing the alphabet song when your child’s becoming bored, find ways to show words to your child throughout the day. Reading to your toddler will not only give him a social and educational boost, but will also benefit your relationship. You will be spending quality time together and building a bond that can last for years to come. Reading together is an encompassing gift that you can give to your toddler.

Catie is a mother of 3 and a successful entrepreneur. To read more great tips and advice about parenting a toddler, please visit her blog at http://parentingtipsfortoddlers.blogspot.com