Reading to your baby
This post has been submitted by Debbie Mugno.
How delightful to snuggle up with a baby and share a book! The soothing rhythm of your voice and the warmth of your body make reading together a positive and pleasurable experience. In the early months of life, babies may seem most interested in touching and mouthing books. At this stage, it is wise to have a few cloth or vinyl books available. Board books with bright, clear images and well defined pictures or photographs are most attractive to very young children. Keep in mind that particularly in this first year, children relate to their world in a very concrete manner, so choose simple stories and picture books with familiar objects. Children will often want to “read” the same book or even the same page repeatedly. Follow their lead. Help young children begin to understand that reading books can generate a wide variety of experiences. Be expressive - even dramatic, and act out the emotions in a story. Exaggerate sounds, imitate characters, and encourage children to join you. Above all, make this a time to share and enjoy – be relaxed, flexible, and focus on the experience!
For more information on reading to and with your children, take a look at our reading tips and recommendations.
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