Tips for Reading to Your Child
1. Let your child set the pace – Some days they may want to linger on one page looking at pictures, other days they might flip through quickly. Follow their lead and engagement level rather than forcing a particular reading speed or style.
2. You don’t need to read every word exactly as written – Feel free to paraphrase, simplify language, or even just talk about the pictures. The goal is engagement and language exposure, not perfect recitation of the text. This can help keep restless toddlers more interested.
3. Make it interactive by asking questions – Try “What do you think happens next?” or “Can you find the cat on this page?” This helps develop critical thinking and keeps them actively engaged in the story.
4. Read favorite books again and again – While it might feel repetitive to you, toddlers learn through repetition. Each reading helps reinforce vocabulary and lets them notice new details in the story and illustrations.
5. Use animated voices and gestures – Bring characters to life with different voices, facial expressions, and hand movements. This makes the experience more engaging and helps your toddler connect with the emotional aspects of the story.
-Ali
