“The greatest development is achieved during the first years of life, and therefore it is then that the greatest care should be taken. If this is done, then the child does not become a burden; he will reveal himself as the greatest marvel of nature.”
Reading books as early as infant helps in developing language and a great concept to immerse them in the sounds and rhythms of speech. When you read to them, they get your full attention. They listen and follow your fingers run into words from each pages of the book.
In a study at Brown University School of Medicine in Providence Rhode Island, 18 to 25 month olds whose parents said they had been reading to them regularly for a year could say and understand more words than those whose parents hadn’t. This study proves to many parents that early reading creates a very good language development to your child.
Having a 16 month old toddler would consider this as an extremely positive way to communicate with your child. I started reading to my toddler since she was in my tummy:). Yes, being a preschool teacher before she was born was a great opportunity and proves to me that talking and reading to your baby even if she’s still in your womb makes a long-term difference.
When she was 2 months, I start to gather small baby board books, mostly animal books and baby first word book. She will listen to me while I read to her slowly the words in each pages. I introduce one book at a time. I do this consistently mostly before bedtime sometimes during our long drive for vacation. I love books too!
I wanted to share to new parents and parents to be some tips to practice and establish a good reading habits to your child. This practice works best as early as possible. Please remember that by doing this, you will prepare your child to a life long love for learning that will impact the future of your child. Investing in quality books is the key….and of course your patience:)
Ways To Establish A Good Reading Habits:
- Start reading to your baby right before she was born. Your baby can hear you! Its also your bonding moment too.
2. Read slowly and clearly. I make sure that she listens and ready for book time. I pronounce each word clearly and slowly for her to catch up.
3. Use sounds that corresponds to the story. I usually read to her animal books. Making the animal sounds every time I point into each animal would be easier for little ones to remember the name of the animals and become familiar with the words.
4. Simplify words. If Im reading a long story books to her, I choose only the important words and simplify long complicated words.
5. Match words with objects. I have a miniature objects in my home like small animals. I use this to familiarize her with what each animal looks like.
“The child is capable of developing and giving us tangible proof of the possibility of a better humanity. He has shown us the true process of construction of the human being. We have seen children totally change as they acquire a love for things and as their sense of order, discipline, and self-control develops within them…. The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.” Maria Montessori (Education and Peace)
