Tips For Parents

First Steps to Reading

Reading aloud to children is one of the best ways to help them discover the joy of reading. And it's never too early—or too late—to start. Studies show that kids with active exposure to language have social and educational advantages over their peers – and reading is one of the best exposures to language. Using personalized childrens books offers your child an advantage others do not have, because they are the star!

HELPING THE TRANSITION FROM INFANT TO TODDLER

Reading aloud is also an important way to help kids make the transition from babyhood to toddlerhood. Between the ages of one and three years of age, they have triumphs and challenges, so it can help for toddlers to hear stories about themselves and their friends and how they managed fears about what's under the bed and tackled the challenge of using the potty.

Kids make big leaps in vocabulary during this time, and learn about letters, shapes, colors, weather, animals and seasons, all of which can be reinforced through books. Choose ones with many pictures your child can point to and name.

TIPS FOR WHEN AND HOW TO READ TO TODDLERS

Experts recommend reading to toddlers as often as possible, striving for at least one scheduled reading time each day. Choosing regular times to read (especially before naps and bedtime) helps kids learn to sit with a book and relax. But you can read anytime your child seems in the mood.

Toddlers are not known for their ability to sit still and sometimes trying to read a book to them can be daunting. But don't despair, there are several things you can do to make the experience more meaningful and enjoyable for you and your toddler.

First, choose books that are short with big, colorful pictures to grab and hold their attention. Toddlers are now beginning to learn self-help skills, so read books about daily routines such as using the potty, washing hands, getting dressed and taking a bath.

Second, be flexible in your expectations and creativity in your reading routine. Hold your toddler in your lap when you read if possible, it's a great spot for:

- helping kids feel safe, happy and relaxed

- giving your undivided attention

- showing new things

- inviting participation

Encourage your toddlers' independence. Offer three or four books to choose from, praise her selection, let your toddler help you turn the pages, and ask for help as you find things on a page.

Follow your toddler's lead. If your child wants you to read the same book over and over, be prepared to do so. Remember, toddlers loverepetition.

Read slowly. Take your time with each word so your toddler can understand what is happening in the story. Be creative, use different voices for different characters, raise and lower your voice when appropriate.

CHOOSING BOOKS FOR TODDLERS

Toddlers feel competent when they can participate; choose books they can follow along with, especially those with repetitive test so they can fill in words. Read books with rhymes and predictable words they can remember and lots of pictures with things to name.

For younger toddlers (12-24 months) you'll want to choose sturdy board books with pictures (especially photos) of kids. Books about bedtime, baths, or mealtime are good choices. Keep active hands busy with lift-the-flap pages and textures to feel. Toddlers from 24-36 months are beginning to be able to turn paper pages, so this is a good time to expand beyond board books.

MAKE BOOKS AVAILABLE AND ACCESSIBLE
Below are a few suggested infant/toddler favorite personalized books. We offer books in Emglish, Spanish, English/Spanish combo and German. Ask about our other languages.