Getting her out of the box with books

Research on early brain development has shown that it’s never to early to begin reading to your child right from infancy. Good reading habits will definitely help them get good grades at school as well as excel in just about any profession they choose.Reading will as well instill a love of reading in them. It will open up a world of learning and imagination that will last a lifetime.

Here are some 10 useful guidelines:
Start early
Babies enjoy being held and read to, especially books with bright pictures, textures or patterns.

Use simplicity
Pick out simple books, with only a few words on each page and colourful illustrations. Your toddler has a short attention span. So do not expect them to sit still for long. You can select books with numbers and ABCs as well. This adds to a little early learning.

Read aloud
Read the words in the book while moving your finger over each one so that your child can make a connection between the visual word and its sound. You can choose a book from a higher reading level than your child’s current skill. Explaining the larger words as you go along is a great way for them to learn and remember vocabulary.

Be a good example
Toddlers like to imitate adults. So let them see you reading a little every day. They are more likely to love reading and will develop a reading culture faster.

Be consistent
Make it a habit to read a bedtime story to your toddler. This will be a special bonding time and they will keep the habit of reading before bedtime into adulthood.

Be selective
Choose books related to your child’s interests. If there is a hobby or school subject they find particularly interesting, bring home books related to that topic.

Repeat
Stay with the same book most of the time, and read a little every night. Toddlers rarely get bored of a book and repetition is a strong learning tool.

Engage                                                                                                                                                                                   Point to various pictures, telling her what it is, and asking her to repeat it. Read to your child at least 15 minutes a day (besides bedtime). Reading helps in quieting down children and creates a break in a busy day.

Visit the library
Take your toddler to a library or book store and allow them to pick out a book and carry it home. This makes her feel important and grown up.

Snuggle up
Find a couch, bed, adjustable seat or other piece of large comfortable furniture so that your toddler can snuggle up beside you. When your toddler is ready to go to another activity like play, close the book, ask her to put it away till later, and let her go.

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