Expert Advice On Reading And Early Childhood Education: Building A Library At Home For Your Children

By Author: Amanda Bernard
Total Articles: 16
Comment this article

Children pay attention to everything. When your child sees you reading newspapers, magazines and books, he or she will understand the importance of reading and will want to read, too. Spending a few minutes each day sharing a story furthers your child’s interest in reading. Not only will regular reading increase your child’s language comprehension and vocabulary, but there is a strong correlation between reading at home prior to school and later educational success. Early child education, including building reading skills, can help your child’s performance in school.

The added bonus? Reading with your child will be some of the most enjoyable and rewarding times you spend together.

Reading to your child on a regular basis is by far the best way to encourage your budding reader. If your child spends time involved with day care activities, ensuring those activities include reading is also important. Here are some tips to make the most of your reading time:

Make reading a relaxed and ...
... fun activity.
Eliminate distractions such as TV, music and phones.
Establish a routine time and place for reading.
Invite your child to select books to read.
Before you begin a new book, engage your child’s imagination. Read the book’s title and ask your child what the story might be about.
Allow your child to hold the book, see the illustrations, and turn the pages.
Pause periodically to ask questions about the text to help your child develop comprehension.
Read with expression. Alter your voice for characters and become animated during exciting parts.
Read the same books over and over again. Children love repetition, and they delight in being able to ‘read’ along when a book becomes well known to them.

Reading To Your Infant
Early childhood education and literacy begins at infancy. Reading to your baby can help him or her learn to talk, and be ready to listen and learn in school. It is recommended that you set aside time for sharing books as part of your regular bedtime routine. Not only will you give your baby a head start in literacy, but this quiet activity will be a special bonding time for you both.

Suggestions from the experts:

Find a quiet, comfortable place for book sharing.
Name and point to the pictures in which your baby shows interest.
Help your baby turn pages.
Join in as your baby plays with books.
Select books with bright colors and simple illustrations.

Suggested reading list for infants:

Planes, by Byron Barton
Happy Baby Friends, by Priddy Bicknell
Baby Animals, by DK Publishing
Color Zoo, by Lois Ehlert
Ten Little Ladybugs, by Melanie Gerth

Reading To Your Toddler
It’s never too early to start reading to your child. Even as young as 12 months, your child’s interest in books will increase and he or she may want to point to pictures and turn pages. These are great signs of growing engagement in reading. Including reading in