Talking About Me: Reading

Talking About Me: Reading

Toddlers like being read to.

Read your child's favorite books. He likes to hear the same book again and again. After he memorizes some of the story, he can join in and tell what happens next. Later, he may want to retell the story on his own.

When you read to your child and her friends, make sure everyone can see the pictures in the book. Look for big-book versions of your child's favorites. Let your child decide when she wishes to leave the group, but continue reading to the children who are still interested.

Read to your child one-on-one. Choose a story that's just right for him.

Read when your child asks you. Read when you think he needs some quiet time. Read indoors and outdoors, at the beginning and end of the day, and whenever you can take time to give your child your special attention.

Toddlers are gradually learning about books and reading.

Point to the words as you read to your child, so that she will begin to understand that you are reading the words, not the pictures. She probably won't fully understand this until she's older.

Describe the pictures. Point out details your toddler might have missed.

Help your child understand and talk about a story. Ask questions to help him connect the story to his own life.

Extend your older toddler's enjoyment of a popular story by putting out new props or leading a simple activity. For example, after reading stories about baby animals, put a basket of farm animals next to the blocks. After reading stories about caterpillars, ask your child to wiggle like a caterpillar, then fly like butterfy.

Source: America Reads Challenge: Ready*Set*Read for Families, America Reads