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Ready Set Read (page 2) TODDLERS Between one and three years of age, your child may be working on his movement skills and sitting may not be first on his list of things to do. Therefore, choosing a time when your child is relatively calm may make reading a more pleasurable experience for both of you. Often, let him pick the book and where he wants to read it. Children usually enjoy books with colorful pictures, books that he can touch and feel, or find something hidden under a flap. Let him touch the pages and turn them only when he is ready. Let him handle the books and explore their sizes, shapes, and details by himself. This may encourage him to become an independent reader and begin to choose books on his own. At times, your young child may enjoy talking about the pictures, rather then having you actually read the words on the page. Research findings indicate that reading a story has a greater influence on literary development when a child has an opportunity to engage in conversation about the story. As you point to the pictures, talk about them in relation to an object in your child's environment. See the ball, your ball is under the table. Compare objects in the book with familiar objects in his environment. The boy has a red shirt. Your shirt is the same color. Point out the functions and different parts of objects and animals. Describe the colors, shapes, and sizes he sees in the illustrations. Some children enjoy holding an object that relates to the story as you read it. While reading a book about zoo animals, give him a toy giraffe. This will help him focus on the words and develop his listening skills as he waits to hear about the giraffe. When the giraffe finally debuts in the story, you might say, "Look the giraffe is eating the leaves from the tree. Pretend your giraffe is eating." PRE-SCHOOLERS By age three, most children can follow a simple storyline and will understand and remember many ideas that are presented in a simple storybook. It is important to establish a special time to read as well as special places where books are kept in your home. Your child should be able to reach books and get them himself. As a special treat, fill an old large pocketbook or beach bag with books by a favorite author (Mother Goose) or theme (vehicles) your child enjoys. For easy access, place it near a rocking chair or favorite reading area. Your young child may enjoy choosing books at the local library about experiences he has had, or is going to have; such as, a trip to the zoo, and airplane ride, or the arrival of a new sibling. Talk about the story as you are reading it or later in the day to help develop his ability to recall important information. Stress words that tell about time and cause and effect (next, before, because, since). Ask him about the characters and what was his favorite part of the story. As he begins to understand why things happen, stop before the end of the story and ask him to guess what might happen and why. You may also begin to point to words as your read to help him understand the connections between printed and spoken words. |
