Getting Your Toddler into Reading
Due to lockdowns kids are stuck at home and a lot of teaching is falling to parents. There are tips and tricks that can be used to make reading easier for your toddler. Today we discuss ways to get your toddler excited about reading, and how to give them a leg up on reading themselves.
What Reading Skills Should a Toddler Have?
As we always say, every child is different. As a toddler your child may have a favourite book and be able recognize some letters and numbers. They may memorize lines from books or recognize familiar words. They may even be able to go through a book themselves, turning pages and looking at pictures.
Work with Words they Already Know
As you read point your index finger along the words to make the association with letters with words. Your toddler may have a few words they already know like “Cat”, “Mom”, or “Ball”. When you run into these words make sure to point them out. You can even help them identify letters from words they know. Make sure to sound out the letter phonetically “Mmmm M for Mom!”
Let Your Child “Read” the Story
Take time to allow your child to read the story. Have them look at the pictures and tell the story as they see it. If it’s a book they enjoy they may even get pretty close to the actual story!
Incorporate Reading into Everyday Routine
While it isn’t possible to turn every second of the day into a learning opportunity take the moments you have time for. Consider reading the stop sign to your child when heading to the park. If your child is holding a cereal box read it to them. Read phonetically and have your child guess the first letter of the word.
Be Engaging while Reading
Some parents have a lot of disdain for so-called “baby” talk but exaggerated speech is actually proven to help kids learn! This does not include using made-up words, but emphasizing words or changing your tone while speaking keeps the baby engaged and helps them learn.
When reading feel free to channel your inner actor! Make different voices for different characters and throw a lot of emotion into your reading. This makes the activity fun for everyone and really keeps your child interested.
Make Time for Reading (and make it fun)
Set time aside every week to read. You can even make it a part of a bedtime routine! When you set aside time as a family to read you show how important it is. On the other hand, you need to keep reading fun if you want your child to seek it out on their own. Allow children to choose their own books, even if it’s the same one. You can make reading even more enticing by creating a reading nook for your little one. Have their books on a shelf they can reach and add stuffys and comfy chairs for their own personal library.
Want some new Book Ideas? Check out our list of Top Kids Books
Kinder Buddies Oakville Child Care is a Quality First Daycare and Infant Care facility in Oakville, Ontario. We take care of children from the age of 6 weeks to 5 1/2 providing nutritious meals and fun activities all day long.
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