Did you know reading aloud with your child is just what the doctor ordered? It's true! The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that "Reading regularly with young children stimulates optimal patterns of brain development and strengthens parent-child relationships at a critical time in child development, which, in turn, builds language, literacy and social-emotional skills that last a lifetime."
Being a toddler is all about action and movement, so don't expect your toddler to sit still for a book. Don't worry if as you read, your toddler is moving around or even playing. They can still listen while they play!
Here are some more tips for reading with a toddler (18 to 36 months):
- Toddlers love to interact with books. Look for books with flaps or different textures to keep their hands busy. Or look for books with detailed illustrations or items hidden in illustrations that allow toddlers to explore.
- Ask questions as you read. At this age, toddlers love answering questions like "What color is the car?", "How many sheep are there?" and "What animal is that?"
- Allow your child lots of time to answer your questions by counting to five silently in your mind. This "wait time" shows respect for a child's growing thinking and speaking skills.
- Toddlers are trying to make sense of the world. Choose books about everyday experiences or feelings. Your child will identify with the characters as they dress, eat, cook, nap and play.
- Play to their favorites! Look for books about things your toddler especially likes (trains, animals, construction vehicles). These books will help them be excited about reading.
- Keep it short and simple! Try breaking 20 minutes of daily reading into smaller segments of 5 minutes each.
- Your toddler will likely want to hear the same book over and over again. This is good! It helps build understanding, vocabulary and memory.
- If your child is not having fun, try a different story or read at a different time of day. Reading with toddlers is mostly about building joy in reading through positive experiences so don't worry if you don't finish every book you start.
Try some of these great books for toddlers:
Hello Hello: Say hello to animals and their different features!
If You Plant A Seed : Learn valuable lessons about kindness and cooperation.
Big Red Barn : This classic from the author of Goodnight Moon explores farm life.
Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site : A perfect book to wind down after a day of play.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: If you haven't tried this alphabet chant, now is the time.
City Shapes: Take a look around the city to find all sorts of shapes!
Play With Me: This interactive book helps little ones practice conversation and social skills.
Grumpy Monkey: If your toddler feels cranky some days, this is the book for you.
The Monster at the End of This Book: It's a classic for a reason!
Cerca: A bilingual board book that is delightfully simple.
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