Reading with toddlers requires a slightly different
skill set than reading to babies. After all, toddlers have out grown
their fascination with eating their books and hopefully have developed a
longer attention span than when they were babies. They can now begin to
absorb and enjoy the story lines along with the colorful pictures that
they have always liked to see. This provides parents with the
opportunity to take their children to a whole new level of adventure
with books. Below are some ideas that can help making reading a fun
experience for both you and your toddler.
1. Be sure to select a book that is age and content appropriate for your
young child. Every child has his or her level of development--only you
know your child best. If a book is over your child's head, no matter how
great this book is, shelf it until your child is ready to appreciate it.
It is no fun for anyone to read an interesting book to an uninterested
child.
2.Make your child a part of the story! Use your child's name instead of the main character's when reading the book. Instead of “Everybody loves the little gorilla”, make it “Everybody loves Billy” or “Everybody loves Annie.” Incorporate family members in your story too. Instead of “grandma loves him,” and “his aunts and uncles love him,” make it “Nana loves Annie,” and “Uncle John and Auntie Mary love Annie.” Let your child be the little caterpillar; the beautiful flower. You child will enjoy the books more since he is on the center stage of all his books.
3. Don't forget the action. It is great fun to act out certain scenes in a story. As you read “Here come clown feet” squeeze your child's little nose and make a clown sound. And when you read “Here come pig feet” push your nose up and say “Oink, oink.” When you find ways to act out the silly scenes, you and your child will giggle through the favorite scenes of your books over and over again.
4.Repeat and explain. Now that your child can
appreciate the meaning behind the stories, make sure you help your child
understand the stories during your reading times. If some of the lines
or vocabulary might be new to your child, be sure to take the time to
explain what was said in the book using terms and words your child can
understand.
5. Animate your reading voice! Children love high pitched sounds. While
it is important to read clearly and slowly, your child will love to hear
your special sound effects, your special Papa Bear voice and Little Bear
voice. This will further engage your child's interest in a book.
6. Get your child to “read” to you. Once a favorite
book has been read over and over again, give your child a chance to
“read” it to you. Don't be surprised if the story line is a tenth of
what it used to be or even completely new to you. You can point to
pictures and ask questions to help your child along, and always
encourage and enjoy the story however your child wants to tell it to
you. Whether she can really read it or notArticle Search, your child
will have a big smile on her face and be beaming with pride that she can
read.
Reading together provides a wonderful way for parents to bond with their
children--make it fun too!
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