Tips on Introducing Babies and Toddlers to Books

Here are some tips on introducing babies and toddlers to books.

• Start early. Read books with colorful illustrations to your child when they are a baby.
• Let your child determine how long to read. You don’t have to finish a story in one sitting.
• Show the book cover and explain what the story is about
• Run your finger along with the words as you read to help them begin to recognize words
• Use different voices for the characters
• Use your body to tell the story
• Talk about the pictures
• Let them turn the pages. It’s ok to skip pages.
• Associate the story to your own family, pets, or community
• Use the story to initiate a conversation with your child. Ask your child questions about the story.
• Let your child make up a story based on the pictures
• Incorporate books as part of your daily routine. Brings books with you especially if you may have to wait with your child.
• Have at least one dedicated time for reading such as bedtime
• Have a quiet, cozy area to read
• Find book-inspired activities to do after reading a book like visiting a farm, zoo, etc.
• Visit your local library and have your child pick out a book
• It’s ok to reread the same books as the first time they will be most interested in the pictures. You will probably read their favorite book many times.
• Find children storytimes in your community