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Toddlers generally have a short attention span and it can be hard to get them to keep still, so how do you do storytime?
It can be frustrating trying to read with a little one turning pages before you have read it, skipping pages, and closing the book after you have only read a page or two. But it turns out, this is all normal and completely okay for developing literacy skills. Check out the tips below to make storytime for you and your little one!
Tips
According to the National Education Association, Kids Health, and zerotothree.org the following tips can help make storytime with your toddler fun and educational:
Use the time to snuggle and bond with your child, you can include their favorite toy/blanket
Read with expression
Read slowly so your toddler can understand the story
Emphasize rhymes and give your toddler a chance to repeat rhyming phrases
Encourage your child to clap or sing when you read rhythmic books
Use the book's pictures to discuss colors and objects and discuss what is happening in the photo
Pick books on topics they are interested in
Let your child choose which book to read
Use board or cloth books so they can engage with the book without having to worry about tearing pages
Encourage your toddler to repeat your words or comment on the book and pictures
Make reading a habit and part of your daily routine
Don't feel like you have to read all of every page, you can skip around and repeat based on what pages they turn to
Let your toddler turn the pages
It's okay if it is just a couple of minutes at a time - you do not have to finish the book
Read stories on repeat - toddlers enjoy repetition and it gives them a chance to understand the organization of the story
Show children the words - run your finger under the words as you are reading them
Connect the story to your child, family, community, etc.
Ask questions about the story and let your child ask questions
Let your child tell you the story - especially if you have an older toddler, they may have memorized the book and it allows them to be creative through storytelling
Use puppets or props while you read
It is okay if they do not sit still - you can read while your child moves around or plays with quiet toys or colors
It is okay if your child doesn't look at you or the book, this does not mean they are not listening
Use your child's name as the name of the character in the book
Mostly have fun!! Your child will likely have fun if you are and this is a great way to encourage a love of reading. You want your child to have positive associations with reading
Other ways to build early literacy skills beyond reading:
Talking to your child
Sing songs
Play rhyming games
Make up your own stories together
Provide paper and crayons to allow your child to practice writing
I love to read and I hope my son will love to read too. I find that reading before bed works great for us because he is usually tired and more likely to listen to the story and cuddle with me. I keep books within easy reach for him too, and he will bring me books to read at other times. These times we may only read a page or two before he moves on to other things, but I absolutely love that he is showing interest in books on his own.
For me, I think the biggest thing is interesting him in reading and making it fun, so it is something he wants to do.
Remember Mama, you are doing a great job! You got this!
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