Reading is one of the most important skills your child will learn. It is vital skill that we use each and every day. If you think about it, you really can’t survive life without it in this day and age because we mostly “write” our communications to our friends and family as opposed to just calling them on the phone. And you can’t read without knowing how to spell and vice versa. This is why you should start reading to your child as an infant, but it’s never too late! Getting your toddler interested in reading will make her more excited about learning how to read herself when the time comes.
When to Read
Bedtime is one of the most popular times for parents to read to their children and it’s been a staple in our house for almost 13 years now. Listening to a story is a great way for your toddler to wind down from a busy day so it not only helps your chidld unwind but it helps add to the bedtime routine. They know that after we read a book, it is time to get in bed and go to sleep! It also gives you a chance to bond with her in a special way. Some toddlers also like for their mom or dad to read to them before a nap so it can become another helpful resource to get your break in the middle of the day.
Sleep time isn’t the only time you can read to your child, though. You could set aside a time in the morning or afternoon to read a book. If your toddler asks you to read to her at other times, do so if possible. There’s no such thing as reading to a child too much.
Many libraries have story time once or twice a week. It’s also one of the only free activities in
this world today that we can take our children to, plus it’s eductional so it’s a win-win. Taking your child to these readings/activities at the library can pique her interest in reading. Experienced storytellers have a knack for making stories exciting, and seeing all of the other kids enjoying the story will make a positive impression.
If Your Toddler Won’t Sit Still
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.
Some children like to play with toys or roam around the room while being read to. If your child does this, it doesn’t necessarily mean that she’s not listening. If she’s being fairly quiet, she probably is. Sometimes they just aren’t in the mood to sit still, I mean, they are toddlers and five minutes is a lot. I usually try to engage her into the book by asking her questions about what she can see on the pages. If that doesn’t work, I grab a book that has a song to it or go completely banannas about something I see on a page and ask her what’s gong to happen next. I get such a kick out of getting over on the old toddler here and there.
Making Reading More Fun
You don’t have to be a professional storyteller to make reading fun. The one-on-one attention you give your toddler when reading to her is very valuable. It allows opportunities for interaction that she doesn’t get elsewhere.
Let your toddler help you turn the pages. Point out objects in the pictures and ask her what they are, or ask her to find specific objects. Ask her what she thinks will happen next, or what she thinks of the characters. Things like this will get her involved, and that’s one of the most important things you can do to instill a love of reading.
When reading to your toddler, use different voices for different characters. You could also get Dad, Grandma, or Big Brother in on the act and have them do the voice for one of the characters. Use finger puppets or props. The library also has audio books and now we have that amazing app from Amazon, audible. Sometimes I even cheat and ask Alexa to read us a bedtime story. I know that anything I can do to get my child excited about story time is great and will do nothing but benefit her later in life.
Reading to your toddler gives the two of you quality time together. Making things fun and interactive will keep her interested in the written word. This interest will lay the foundation for a lifelong love of reading-and learning!
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