Selecting books for toddlers

Select books that appeal to infants and toddlers. Look for bright colors, sharp contrasts between the picture and the page, rhythmic writing, and plots that are simple but engaging.

From zerotothree.org.

How language and thought are learned

Language and speech are primarily learned through imitation and observation.

During infancy, babies listen to their parents talk and they pay close attention when someone talks to them. This observation of casual conversation is the foundation for a child’s understanding of their native language.

From: brighttomato.com.au

Spark creativity when reading

Let Your Child Ask Questions About the Story.

Use the story as an opportunity to engage in conversation and to talk about familiar activities and objects.

From: Improve-Reading-Skills.Com

Encourage reading

Encourage reading by keeping books visible and at the child’s level.

From: Zero to three.org

The benefits of pausing while reading

Pause while you are reading to show your baby the pictures in the book. Share your own reactions to the story through your voice or gestures, and encourage your child to react to the story as well.

From: National Center for Family Literacy

Make reading interactive

Include your toddler by asking him questions and encouraging his repetition of familiar phrases in the book: "but it wasn’t spilt milk."

After asking him a question, wait for five seconds to give her time to respond. These conversations are the best way to encourage language.

From: Multnomah County Library

The time to read

The key to sharing books together is to look for times during the day when she is most receptive.

Trying to read to a toddler who wants to play outside or with newly discovered toys would frustrate both of you. Your toddler will be most interested when she’s not hungry, wet, or tired.

From: Multnomah County Library

Exploring books

After Reading a Story let your child explore the book and play with toys and objects that remind her of the book. Talk about the book and relate it to his own experiences.

From: National Center for Family Literacy

Reading aloud to your baby

Read aloud to your baby for only a few minutes at a time. Read a little longer as your older baby is willing to listen.

From: RIF.org

Reading attention span

Some children, especially very young ones, do not have the attention span required to sit through an entire story. If this is the case with your child, don’t push her.

Read as long as she will listen, and save the rest of the story for later.

From: Toddler Learning Activities.com