In the previous part of this series “Raising a reader,” I shared about types of books. Now that you have the desired book in hand and baby is eyeing over the new thing on your hand. What to do next? If you think the baby is going to take the book, turn a few pages, get awed of it? Then, my dear, the journey has just begun. Let’s march together and introduce books to our children.
“Any book that helps a child to form a habit of reading, to make reading one of his deep and continued needs, is good for him.”
– Maya Angelou
How to introduce books to babies and toddlers?
An early start
The earlier you start, the easier for you. Though anytime is a good time to start. Newborns and infants love getting cuddled (quite a debate who loves it more, isn’t that a mom?) and listen to a parent or caregiver voice. It is almost talk-to-baby. The young brain is soaking up the sounds, tones, words. So, book reading would add up to their language development. A child can develop a connection with words and pictures, enabling them to learn.
Read aloud and together
Take a book and cuddle your baby, show her the pictures on the page, point out the objects and name them. Readout loud and let great things happen. Reading aloud with the baby helps in getting their attention, keeps them engaged and improves bonding time. A child would learn to focus on your words, voice modulations and would react to you.
Get age-appropriate books
It is important to choose age-appropriate ones. Giving a book filled with words and fewer pictures might not attract your little one. So, get contrast ones or one with bright colored illustrations and explore pages with a baby.
Involve the senses of the baby
When the child is involved with texture, smell, your words along with pictures, let her enjoy a feast of senses. Isn’t it more fun if there is a puppet in the book? Let them touch the books, flip the pages, scratch the edges and get involved.
Engage the little reader
Point out to the pictures and talk about them. Ask them about the figures. Keep them charmed with your tone, facial expressions, and eye contact. Let the little reader turn pages. Give your personal touch to the story.
Rotation brings newness
At times when a child knows about the book, they tend to lose attention. Swap the current reading with others. Have a weekly or monthly book rotation. A child would love the fresh pages and enjoy the book.
Respect the child’s choice
A particular book might become your little one’s favorite and she would keep asking for it. Though it might feel tiring, still respect her choice and re-read it. On a particular day, a child might refuse to sit and read. And that’s okay. Don’t force your child. Forcing might affect negatively.
Allow freedom
Place your child’s book in reachable spots. Let him choose what to read, where to read and when to read. Don’t limit books to one spot or time. Let the books be in every corner of the home.
Keeping a variety
There are various kinds of books for
Routine
Sticking to a routine helps all. Start with a few minutes at a time. Increase the timeline gradually. Build reading an everyday routine.
How did you start with your little reader? How did you introduce books? Or are you going to start now? Tell me about your thoughts.
You might also like to read What is the Right Age to Start Reading to Babies?
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Hi dear! You are one of my favourite blogger whose writing skills I found unique. How you weave your words is amazing! I totally agree with all the points.
Thank you for your encouragement Deepika. Grateful here
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Great practical tips to follow. Rotation is always good practise. We started reading at 6 months.
you know we started at 10 months.. and it still felt like we could start earlier.. Books are really amazing friends
I agree with what you say.Babies need books too.While letting them see the pictures is great reading to them and later reading with them is very good
Agree to all the point. I started reading during pregnancy and he enjoyed reading and playing with books once he was able to sit.
I like the pointers for developing the reading habit. Yes I agree some days are no book days and sometimes parents get tired reading again and again.
I really loved this post. I have two little kids and I really find it tough to make them read a book. You have shared some amazing tips for kids to develop reading habit👍
Reading to babies is so important. I’ve been doing it since my pregnancy and it’s a nightly ritual for us!
It is very necessary to introduce books at an early age so they can build up their curiosity. My daughter loves books.
I too have introduced books to my daughter at a very early stage she is 3 no and doesn’t runaway from books…
Good article sna it covered all the points
Nice article on inculcating reading habits among children:)