How To "Read" a Book to Your Young Child
Have you been unsuccessful trying and sit down with your young child and read to him? Does he listen for about 30 seconds, then jump up and run away?
You hear the importance of early literacy on a child’s brain development and want to help your child develop a love for reading….so what can you do if you can’t get him to participate?
Try these tips...
Early Literacy does mean not early reading. You are not trying to teach your child to read. Your goal is to help your child enjoy the experience of looking at books today which will help develop his love for reading throughout his life.
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Choose books for your home that have texture, color, very little words, and are engaging.
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Let your child pick the book and hold the book while you’re “reading.”
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Show excitement about reading the book with your child: “Oh, I’m so excited you want to read a book with me.” “I love to read about…..”
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Let your child turn the pages, at any pace he chooses
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Point to the pictures. Don’t try and read all the words.
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Stop after you point and engage the child by asking questions about the pictures, such as: “Look at that silly rabbit. What is he doing?”
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Use a lot of fluctuation in your tone when you ask questions.
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Use the pictures and the conversation to engage your child further: “That rabbit is being silly. Can you be silly?”
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Focus on the interaction between, the book, the child, and yourself.
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Allow the child to get down when he’s ready. There is no set expectation of time spent “in one sitting” looking at books.
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Keep the experience positive and fun. He will come back for more!