Tips on how to read to children under two years old
Reading to children under two years old can foster a love for books and language development. It is not just about the words on the page; it's about bonding, building vocabulary, and sparking imagination. With these tips, you can make reading a cherished part of your child's early development. Here are some tips to make the experience enjoyable and beneficial:
1. Choose Appropriate Books:
Opt for sturdy board books with bright colors, simple illustrations, and few words per page.
Look for books with textures or interactive elements like lift-the-flap or touch-and-feel.
2. Create a Cozy Environment:
Find a comfortable, quiet spot free from distractions.
Ensure good lighting so your child can see the pictures clearly.
3. Follow Your Child's Lead:
Let your child explore the book at their own pace.
If they're more interested in turning pages quickly or chewing on the book, that's okay. Follow their cues.
4. Engage Their Senses:
Encourage touch by letting them feel different textures in the book.
Use animated voices, sound effects, and facial expressions to bring the story to life.
5. Keep It Short and Sweet:
Toddlers have short attention spans, so start with shorter books and gradually increase the reading time as they grow.
It's okay if you don't finish the whole book in one sitting.
6. Make it Interactive:
Ask simple questions like, "What's this?" or "Can you find the dog?"
Encourage your child to point to objects or repeat simple words.
7. Be Patient and Flexible:
Understand that your child may not always sit still or pay attention.
Be patient and try again later if they lose interest.
8. Make Reading a Routine:
Incorporate reading into your daily routine, such as before naptime or bedtime.
Consistency helps establish reading as a familiar and enjoyable activity.
As you embark on this wonderful journey of nurturing your little one's development, we're excited to share with you some must-have board books and picture books for babies and toddlers. While babies may not grasp every word at first, reading to them fosters early language skills, familiarity with sounds, and an appreciation for storytelling. Explore our curated list of beloved board books and picture books, ideal for gifting or enjoying with your little ones.
“Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown. Say goodnight to various objects and characters in a little bunny’s room as they prepare for bed.
“Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” by Bill Martin Jr. The book introduces children to a variety of animals and colours as they follow the journey of a brown bear who encounters different creatures.
“Dear Zoo” by Rod Campbell. In “Dear Zoo,” a child writes to the zoo asking for a pet, and the zoo sends a series of animals, each one unsuitable until the perfect pet arrives.
“Where is Baby’s Belly Button?” by Karen Katz. Engage in an interactive search for baby’s body parts under the flaps of this delighted book.
“The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle. Follow the journey of a hungry caterpillar as it eats through various foods before transforming into a butterfly.
“The Very Lonely Firefly” by Eric Carle. Join a little firefly as it searches for others like itself, encountering different lights along the way.
“Five Little Ducks” by Ivan Bates. Follow the adventures of five little ducks as they venture out into the world and return home one by one.
“Potty” by Leslie Patricelli. This humorous book follows a little one's journey from diapers to using the potty for the first time.
“Peek-A Who?” by Nina Laden. Play peek-a-boo with colorful illustrations and rhyming text that reveal surprising objects behind die-cut windows.
“Pat the Bunny” by Dorothy Kunhardt. This interactive book invites children to touch, feel, and explore various textures as they follow along with the story.
“Moo, Baa, La La La! by Sandra Boynton. Join a group of animals as they make their unique sounds in this fun and interactive book.
“First 100 Words” by Roger Priddy. Introduce young readers to a variety of everyday words with colourful illustrations and simple labels.
“That’s Not My Puppy” by Fiona Watt. Explore different textures as you search for the puppy that's just right in this touch-and-feel book.
“Where’s Spot? By Eric Hill. Join Sally the dog as she searches various places to find her mischievous puppy, Spot.
“Guess How Much I Love You” by Sam McBratney. Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare express their love for each other through a series of playful gestures.
“The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats. Join Peter as he explores the magic of a snowy day, from making footprints to having snowball fights.
“Corduroy” by Don Freeman. Corduroy, a teddy bear in a department store, goes on a journey to find his missing button and a place to call home.
“Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault. The letters of the alphabet race each other up a coconut tree, leading to a comical and colorful mishap.
“The Going- To-Bed Book” by Sandra Boynton. Join a group of animals as they go through their bedtime routine aboard a boat, preparing for sleep under the stars.
“Good Night Gorilla” by Peggy Rathmann. Bedtime story that takes young readers on a delightful adventure through the zoo.
“Look, Look!” by Peter Linenthal. Look Look! is the ideal first board book for babies just beginning to look and learn. The high-contrast black-and-white illustration engages the youngest babies.
“Black on White: A High Contrast Book for Newborns” by Tana Hoban. Features bold black-and-white high-contrast images to engage babies and very young children.
“The Runaway Bunny” by Margaret Wise Brown. A heartwarming story of a little bunny's imaginative escape and the unwavering love of a mother.
“Banyard Dance” by Sandra Boynton. Join in the lively rhythm of a barnyard hoedown with its playful rhymes and charming illustrations.
“Pajama Time” by Sandra Boynton. A delightful bedtime story that celebrates the joy of getting ready for sleep with catchy rhymes and adorable characters.
“Hippos Go Bersek!” by Sandra Boynton. A whimsical counting book featuring hippos throwing a wild party that will have children counting along with the fun.
“A Colour of His Own.” by Leo Lionni. A story of a chameleon searching for his own identity and the beauty of being unique.
“Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb” by AI Perkins. A rhythmic and interactive book that introduces young readers to the fun of rhythm and rhyme through playful monkeys drumming their thumbs.
“Dr. Seuss's ABC: An Amazing Alphabet Book!” by Dr Seuss. A whimsical journey through the alphabet, filled with Seussian characters and rhymes.
“Go, Dog. Go!” by P.D. Eastman. A classic tale of dogs at play, featuring vibrant illustrations and simple, repetitive text that engages young readers.
“Gossie” by Olivier Dunrea. The adventures of a little gosling named Gossie as she navigates the world with her bright red boots.