I started reading to my little one while he was still in the NICU. There are so many benefits to reading with your child from the infant stage through age 14. You can find a list of benefits in last week's post. Below I am sharing tips to make reading fun and enjoyable for you and your infant.
According to the National Education Association (NEA), Reading Rockets, and Kids Health parents should do the following when reading to an infant:
Use reading time to snuggle (include a favorite blanket or toy if wanted)
Use different voices and expressions
Emphasize rhythm and rhymes
Talk about the pictures in the book
Make reading a habit, build it into your daily routine
Read stories again and again - repetition is good for your little one to learn
Choose baby-friendly books - bold, bright colors and high contrast images; cardboard and cloth books that are easy to handle for baby
Read books your baby enjoys (watch them to see if they are enjoying the book, if they are not it is okay to stop reading and try a different book and/or time)
Don't worry about reading the text exactly - stop and ask questions and make comments about the text and pictures - even if they can't respond! This is a good foundation for later reading skills
Let your baby touch and grab the book - they are engaging in reading that is appropriate for their age
Remember to have fun. More than likely, your little one will have fun if you do - you are showing them that reading is enjoyable and worthwhile from an early age.
Remember Mama, you are doing a great job! You got this!