When & How to Read to Your Toddler

We always hear how important it is to read to our children.  I recently came across a great article by Kids Health about Toddler Reading Time.  As a mother of two toddlers, the section below caught my eye.  For the full article visit KidsHealth.org.

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.
If your toddler will let you, hold him or her in your lap when you read. It's a great spot for:

• helping kids feel safe, happy, and relaxed
• giving undivided attention
• showing new things
• inviting participation

You'll find that your toddler wants to be independent and successful. Encourage this by offering three or four books to choose from, praising the selection, letting your toddler help you turn pages, and asking for help as you find things on a page. Your child will love to finish sentences in books with repetitive phrasing or rhymes.

Here are some additional reading tips:

• Read whatever books your toddler asks for, even if it's the same book every night for weeks and weeks (and weeks and weeks).
• Read slowly enough for your toddler to understand.
• Read expressively, using different voices for different characters and raising or lowering your voice as appropriate.
• Use puppets, finger plays (like the "Itsy Bitsy Spider"), or props while you read.
• Encourage your toddler to clap or sing when you read rhythmic, sing-song books.
• Talk about the illustrations. Point to items and name them. Then ask your child to name them with you and offer enthusiastic praise.
• Ask open-ended questions — "Why do you think the lion is going into the woods? What do you think will happen next?" This encourages your child to think about the story and to ask questions.
• Substitute your child's name for the name of a character in the book.
• Have fun! Show your child that reading is enjoyable.

Source:  Kids Health, http://kidshealth.org