I get a lot of questions about what kind of books to get for a toddler. Or, I hear moms say “She just won’t sit still long enough to read a book.” I certainly know the limits of a toddler, but it is possible to enjoy a book with him. If you want to know why you should read to your baby or toddler, stop and read this post first. Here are some tips that will help when reading with your toddler.
Don’t expect a toddler to care about the plot. Toddlers usually do not have the attention span or the desire to follow a story. You may see an increased attention span and interests in stories around age 3.
Do follow the pictures more than the story. Okay, Type-A moms, this is for you especially. I lean in your direction. I get you. We want to read every word before we turn the page. Have you ever noticed how a toddler will proceed to turn every page before you have finished reading the first one? Frustrating, huh. Especially for the tot in your lap, who does not understand why you won’t let her turn the page when she wants to. Listen. Just relax and follow the pictures. That’s what a toddler cares about right now. Point out the various pictures and say the colors and shapes you see. Your toddler will learn new words and recognize new objects just by hearing your voice and seeing the picture.
Do let your toddler lead you through the book. This a delightful way to enjoy a book together. Let her choose the book and turn the pages pointing out what interests her. Ask her questions she can answer. “Where is the cow?” If it’s a lift-the-flap book, say “Can you find the dog?” “Where did Elmo go?” Don’t take over though. She’s the leader in this game.
Don’t make your toddler sit down. If the duck is skipping in the book, then encourage your little one to skip and do it with him. If Jack jumped over the candlestick, then find something to jump over too.
Do choose books with funny-sounding words. Or, make up your own silly sounds to go with the pictures. Words like “flippety-flop”, “zoom”, “tick-tock” and “hoo hoo hoooo” will get your toddler’s attention. {Daddy’s tend to be really great at this. If that’s the case in your family, watch how your husband reads a book with your child and take his lead.} Animal sounds are a huge hit too. These are sounds your toddler will try to imitate and it’s a hilarious game to play together.
Our 2-year-old is the inspiration behind this post. He has 3 older siblings and has sat through a few books in his time. He is so much fun. He loves to “read” books. His idea of reading books is to look at the pictures and turn the pages at whim–doesn’t matter if Mommy is still talking. He loves to make the animal sounds and laughs out loud when I do too. If there is an excuse to hug, poke, tickle, or giggle, it’s even more fun for him. As a mommy of 4, I have loosened up quite a bit when it comes to reading books. I figured out with our first two that it’s not about me. It’s about kindling the love of books in my children. It’s about showing them that learning is fun and should be.
And the moral of the story is…start enjoying books today! Don’t wait for the right age or the right book. Make books fun for your toddlers and their love of books and learning will follow.
What creative ways do you enjoy books with your toddler? Or, what are your challenges when reading with your toddler?
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Great post and right on. I’m also a former teacher and it used to make me crazy that i couldn’t even get through an entire sentence before my kiddo was turning the page, or getting up to run around, or throwing the book. Luckily, i have quite a few of our little board books memorized at this point, and I can also just recite the story from memory while he does what he wants. I recommend Sandra Boynton books b/c they have a great flow to them and are easy to memorize, plus, my kid loves them.
I’m sending this post to my husband who gets really irritated when it’s his turn to read to our kid.
.-= Kelly´s last blog ..Goodwill, Good times =-.
My daughter’s favorite these days is “A Potty for Me” by Karen Katz. Maybe this will inspire pee pee on the potty rather than in the bathtub
The pages extend open and the last words in each sentence rhyme. She is starting to pick up on the rhymes and fill in those words herself….like “me,” “play,” “okay.” I can sense that she’s proud of herself. Sometimes I don’t read fast enough though and she flips to the end. I have a lot to learn!! Great post!
.-= turnitupmom´s last blog ..Packing a Waste-Free Lunch: ECOlunchbox Giveaway =-.
FANTASTIC article, Stacie! I had to get used to the “let the toddler lead” with my oldest. As a former teacher, I wanted to, you know, read it the RIGHT way. Toddlers don’t know there is a “right” way, but they have plenty of time to learn about that later.
Love this article, mama.
.-= Megan at Simple Kids´s last blog ..What We’re Reading Wednesday: August 19th =-.
Two thumbs up! My two year old also likes some of the sing-song rhyming books. I have them memorized (bc we have read them with all three kids) so I keep rhyming, even when she turns the page. The repitition is good, but of course, we always have to stop in the same spots and talk about what the animals are saying/doing. Letting the child help choose the book and the focus is very important to engaging her! Thanks for this awesome post.
.-= Amy´s last blog ..The First Day of Pre-K =-.
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