Building Toddler Reading Skills

We all know how important it is to read to children. And we all pretty much figure out, without guidance, that colorful books with pictures are more attractive to youngsters, and that adding 'sound effects' and 'voices' helps to keep their attention longer. But what some adults don't know is that there are other skills that they can be building at the same time they are reading. Or at least that's what I gather from the emails that I receive and the mom's I talk to. So here are a few suggestions.

First, acquaint your child with the parts of a book. When you begin a book, point at the title and announce that 'this is the title of this book'. Point at the individual words as you say them. If the child is ready you can add that the Title gives us clues as to what the book is about. For example, the title "Good Egg" tells us that the book has something to do with an egg. Just as Dr. Seuss' "Bartholomew and the 500 Hats" suggests that this book will have a lot of hats in it.

After you talk about the Title, discuss and point out the author's and illustrator's names. With my children I discussed not only that the artist drew the pictures, but also that he or she seemed to like bright colors, or muted palettes. And eventually we got to the point where we talked about abstract versus realistic styles. Really, anything you notice about their book would be worth talking about with your little audience.

You probably won't have to repeat yourself too many times. Kids are smart and it won't be long before they understand what the parts of a books are. Continue though to announce the title, author, and illustrator.

Second, talk about the process of reading. With babies you don't need to show them where you are reading in the book. But for toddlers you can begin to show them that in our culture that we read from left to right, top to bottom. You can do this simply with your finger as you read. Perhaps noting for them that your finger is going from the bottom of one page to the top of the next. "See my finger hop!"

Finally, engage them in the content of the book. This is something most adults don't need to be reminded to do. They point out color and name animals and plants without thinking. But remember that you can also point at pictures and discuss other elements. For example, if the characters show emotion, describe which one it is, and how the characters' faces reflect what they feel. If the characters are showing action, describe it. That cloud is really whisking along. Or that boy is so happy. See the smile.

Even before children reach the vocal stage you can begin the practice of pausing to talk about the pictures. Just because a child can't answer doesn't mean they aren't thinking about your question. What do you suppose the kitten will do next?" might get their little minds whirring away.

Questions and pauses afterwards allow time for children to think about what they have read, and to engage in the all important effort of prediction. Studies have shown that the best readers are those who can guesstimate what words might come next. Guess what happens next in the story is practice for that.

Reading with Kid Elements:

• Cuddle while you read (it associates books with the bestest person and feelings in the world)

• Read expressively and clearly (kids learn the basic sounds or phonemes of language from hearing you speak; and they also learn about emotions from your tone)
  

• Don't be afraid to sing some lines or adapt them a bit to make the book a better read-aloud.

• Point to pictures and name things -- color, animals, objects, and people. Or conversely, ask children what you've just read, or what they think might happen.

• Start slow. It isn't necessary to read for even 15 minutes. Two minutes can be fine for a baby; five for a toddler. The key is to make it as fun and wonderful as possible. (For an active child, try multiple short reads)
  

• A regular schedule for reading can make sense once a baby is a year old. But do whatever works. (Some days we'll take reading breaks every two hours; sometimes we only read briefly before bed)
  

• Young babies will be more interesting in mouthing that mysterious thing you've got in your hand than watching you name colors and creatures. Be prepared with chewable books. (Because of germs, I suggest you actually purchase books for them. Be careful of vinyl books with edges that can cut. And any book where the ink runs.)

• With Toddlers, occasionally give them the opportunity to choose what book to read. And prepare to read them over and over and over... and well, you know, over. When it gets tedious remember that they are actually learning something by doing this, and that it is soothing to read a 'classic'.