Hey moms and dads!

Today’s post is all about reading, the fun you can have and all the language learning opportunities that can be used when reading books! I also have lots of tips to help you choose the correct books from birth!

Reading to your child should be a daily activity from birth. It’s essential not only for language and speech development, but also builds on their attention. Children who love shared book reading often become avid lifelong readers!

Reading allows your child to anticipate events, and exposes them to new and repeated vocabulary. Take turns to turn the pages of books (which mimics the social rule of turn-taking in conversation).

• Be silly when reading- use an exaggerated tone, and use different pitches for different characters.

• Add gesture to words (for example, feelings, verbs, describing words, prepositions). This introduces your child to non-verbal communication, and further develops their understanding of language.

• There may be images on the page of interest to your child, that do not relate to the text. Point to these and name them to increase vocabulary and engagement. You can use your child’s finger to point to these also, which furthermore promotes engagement and encourages joint attention.

• As your child gets older, encourage interactive reading. Allow your child to make up their own story, based on the pictures in the book. You can also contribute to this. This not only stimulates language but also thinking, creativity and a sense of humor!

• Ask questions during reading, and point to pictures and describe them. Ask your child to do the same.

• Books that use repetitive language or catchphrases on each page are great vocabulary builders, and will encourage your child to use the catchphrase spontaneously, having heard it so many times.

• When your child finishes a book, why not get their opinion, thoughts or feelings.

• No matter what age your child is, be sure to choose books that you and your child can enjoy together. There is a huge variety of books to choose from, and sometimes selecting appropriate books can be a tricky task!

Reading to Babies - Early Language Years

Here are some tips on how to select books for your child’s age

0-6 months

Choose small books that are easy for you to hold while simultaneously holding your baby on your knee.
Choose books with black and white designs or with bright, contrasting designs and colors. These are easier for your baby to focus on.
Choose books with simple, one or two objects per page and very few words.
Choose cloth books or durable waterproof ones given they are likely to be chewed on and thrown around!

6 months - 2 years

Choose books with a single word and picture, to help infants learn that pictures have meanings.
Books with simple sentences or nursery rhymes are enjoyable for older infants. Children really enjoy listening to rhythmic and rhyming text.
Board books with rounded edges and thick pages will be easier for your child to turn their pages.
Choose books that have large pictures and designs.- This age group enjoys peek-a-boo, pop-up or lift-the-flap books. They like books with lots of texture, sensory stimulation and even mirrors.

2-3 years

- Choose small board books with few or no words on the page.

- Books with no words allow children to make up their own stories and help develop imagination.
- Choose large colourful illustrations with simple narratives and action words.

Choose lift-the-flap, touch-and-feel, interactive and sensory exploration books.
Choose concept books such as books relating to animals, shapes, letters, colors, numbers and emotions.
Choose books with predictable text, rhymes and stories or funny sounding words.
Try some books that show familiar situations or children doing daily routines such as “goodnight” books and “bath time" books. This will help your toddler explore and understand the world around them.
Books with songs, rhymes and repetitive text are enjoyable and easy for toddlers to memorize, read or sing along to.
Choose books with your child’s favorite characters to attract their attention. If the book is too long or complex and does not hold their attention at this age, talk about the illustrations instead.

3 - 4 years

Select books that promote imagination and creative problem solving.
Books for preschoolers should have simple stories with basic plots.- This age group enjoys books about real-life stories such as going to school, playing with friends, a trip to the zoo and relevant situations such as books about brothers and sisters, books about moving house, etc.
The book ideally should be read in one sitting, and have engaging illustrations.
Look for books with nursery rhymes or poems. The more repetitive the phrases and sounds are, the more your child will repeat and remember the words.
Choose ABC books, counting books and simple information books about trains, cars, animals, insects, geography or cultures.
Choose predictable books to allow your child to fill in the blanks, and predict what comes next.

As always, I’d love to hear from you, so get in touch at hannah@elyhq.com. For more insights, go to www.elyhq.com and follow us on Instagram @elyactivities.