No one would argue that toddler reading is one of the most important things we can teach our children.
There is an old saying regarding children: “Do as I say, not as I do.” Whoever coined this phrase didn’t know much about children. Children often do not “do as we say.”
We are the role models regarding whether or not our children learn to take personal responsibility for themselves – physically, emotionally, financially, relationally, spiritually, and organizationally.
We are also the role models that will show our children how to read and learn.
When a child learns to read, it opens up a whole new world to them. When a person can read, they will be able to do more, learn more, and become more than they otherwise would.
But reading can be a challenge for many young children.
So it best to start your toddler reading early … before she starts to talk back.
There is an old saying regarding children: “Do as I say, not as I do.” Whoever coined this phrase didn’t know much about children. Children often do not “do as we say.”
We are also the role models that will show our children will read and learn.
When a child learns to read, it opens up a whole new world to them. When a person can read, they will be able to do more, learn more, and become more than they otherwise would.
At What Age Should A Toddler Start Reading?
Reading is a great choice of activity at any age. When you read to your child, you are investing in his future.
So it is never too early to begin teaching your child to read, or at least laying the foundation for early literacy skills, and it can definitely be left too late!
Experts call for teaching a child to read between the ages of 7-9.
Obviously, we cannot begin teaching a newborn how to read. However, we can begin in infancy to lay the foundation for literacy which will in the end make your child a stronger reader.
7 Tips For Fun Toddler Reading
In a world that is slowly but surely turning away from books and getting glued to monitors or television screens, the importance of reading cannot be overlooked.
Children who read frequently are better readers and better students. Studies show that students who read for fun have better reading scores. Sometimes moms and dads have to get sneaky, but you can still turn your child into a reader, even if he is reluctant about it.
If your child is showing little interest in reading, there is hope.
These are 7 tips to keep in mind as you work with your child. With a little help, you can encourage your child to become an avid and effortless reader.
1. Read to Your Child
Reading for pleasure helps a child to think outside the box. A wonderful world awaits in well-written books.
When you read to your child, it makes your time together more enjoyable and improves social and reasoning skills.
Reading to your child also opens the doors to imagination.
Read to your child for 20 minutes a day.
It exposes him to new sounds that you might not otherwise include in your conversation. And this gives him something to look forward to. Reading also develops an interest in books and stories, and soon they will want to read stories on their own.
2. Build a home-library
There is no such thing as too much reading. A skill like reading cannot only be learnt in school.
Access to books is fundamental to reading. A home library allows your child to have different worlds that are unleashed in exciting fiction books or fun educational ones.
Do not leave all the hard work to the teachers and library programs. It should start at home and go beyond the classroom.
Create a library filled with 10 -12 books that your child would love to read. They have a natural curiosity and will want to explore new books.
3. Turn Reading Into A Daily Adventure
In a busy world, we can often feel like we are flying from one activity to the next. A daily reading routine gives a scheduled time so you can make time for what is important … your child.
During your time together, you can turn it into a daily adventure and a learning opportunity at the same time.
Make an effort to ask at least one open-ended question to your child on what you’ve just read.
When you ask, your child will think more about the words and this can turn it into a more comprehensive story.
4. Read Together At Bedtime
We’re all creatures of habit, and children are no exception. Read to your child every night. Make this their “cool down” period before they go to sleep.
This not only helps your child develop an interest in books, but it also helps you as a parent bond with your child. And it helps to develop a healthy relationship.
Well, here’s the trick to peace at bedtime.
Unless your child is really tired, this will be a pleasant time for your child to learn to make personal choices. Your little one can choose 1 – 2 books to read until turn the lights go out. And once tired, you should have no problem getting your child to go to bed.
5. Turn Reading Into A Game
Play helps a child to release their energy so they can sit down calmly and focus on reading.
Children who play regularly are more likely to concentrate and focus to read better.
Reading can be fun. No one can dispute the impact of reading with play.
Choose a game that involves words and letters. You can use a Monopoly (or Life) board and allow your child to move one space for each book he reads.
6. Encourage Your Child To Read To Others
Parents play a crucial role in their children’s education. Children who report that their parents encourage them to read are more likely to read a higher volume of books than those who say that their parents leave it up to them.
Reading gives ideas to children about new things to try. Encourage your child to read and play reading games with others. You will find that both areas will experience tremendous growth.
With the right encouragement, your child can love to read to her favorite teddy bear.
Once she learns how to read, she will want to share it with her little playmate.
7. Be Patient
It might seem unnecessary to mention, but it is one of the most important things to remember.
Do not rush your child.
There is nothing more frustrating to a learning child than to have a parent who expects perfection immediately.
Toddler Reading Is Fundamental
As soon as possible, you should start a bedtime routine of reading with your toddler.
It’s one of the hardest things to do in this age of hyper-active kids and super busy parents… but spending good quality time with your children doesn’t have to be a painful torture tactic.
You can start when the baby is six to eight weeks old, and your baby will surely reap benefits from the early routine setup. Establishing a reading system will make your toddler appreciable the time that you spend together.
In the end, your toddler will feel comfortable knowing what will follow next.
We all know that learning to read is important, but as parents what do we do to facilitate this milestone? These are simple things that you can do to help your toddler to get on the reading path.
