Reading with
young children
Why should you read with
your young child?
- Reading is a vital
part of your child’s development.
Reading aloud with your young child
helps develop the skills that are
needed when he or she starts school.
You are not trying to “teach”
your young child to read before
they begin school, but rather helping
him or her to develop a love of
books. Your child will understand
how a book works and get to know
how much fun they can be.
- Reading aloud
is also a time when you can bond
with your child. The pictures and
the words in the book will give
you lots of things to talk about,
laugh about, have fun with, while
you share some special time together.
When should
you begin to read with your young
child?
- There is no specific
age to begin but the earlier the
better. Some say that reading to
young children should begin soon
after birth, while others say it
should start around 4 to 6 months
when babies have a degree of head
control and can be propped in your
lap.
- Your baby will
love being held in your arms, listening
to your voice, and sharing the pictures
in the book, so start as early as
possible.
How often should young children
be read to?
- There is no magic figure about
how long or how often. Young children
do like routines so developing an
everyday reading routine is suggested.
This can be part of a bedtime routine,
however you may find that your child
will choose books and share reading
at any time of the day, just because
they like it.
How do I get my young child
involved?
- Your young child does like the
sound of your voice, so turn off
the TV and radio so your child can
hear your voice. They will also
be less distracted, and can focus
on the book you are sharing with
them.
- Sit your child close or on your
knee so that you are both comfortable,
and can clearly see and touch the
book. Encourage your child to point
to things in the book, and let them
turn the pages.
- Let your child choose the books
to read. They may like to have the
same book read over and over, because
they will know what comes next and
can be more involved. Imagine how
good your child will feel about
themselves when he or she tells
you the word that finishes the sentence
or describes what is going to happen
From the Lets Read website www.letsread.com.au |
