Infants: Early Reading
By Michele Blandino
While your baby is probably a few years away from reading on their own, it’s never too early to introduce him or her to the magic of books.
How to Start
Keeping in mind that most babies have an attention span measured in seconds rather than minutes, the focus of these early reading sessions will probably be more on the act of reading than the story itself. Little readers love to turn pages, point to pictures and feel the different textures that appear on the pages. For this reason, board books – books whose pages are made of thick cardboard – or soft books – books make of washable fabric or plastic – are good choices.
As your child nears their first birthday, they may enjoy something more interactive such as lift-the-flap books and books with sliding compartments. Steer clear of books that appear to be delicate or with flaps or compartments that can be easily torn.
Keep in mind that just because your little one might not sit still long enough for you to finish one page – never mind an entire book – you shouldn’t be mislead into thinking that your words are falling on deaf ears. In fact, the benefits of reading are so important that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents introduce daily reading sessions once the child reaches six months of age.
The most important thing to keep in mind during these early reading sessions is to follow your child’s cues and keep them as brief – or as long – as they desire. If they don’t appear initially appear interested, don’t despair; move on to another activity and try again later. Some children prefer to settle down with books later in the day while others are seemingly content to read at any time.
What Types of Books are Best?
To keep your little one’s attention, look for a good selection of short, rhyming books. As much as they might drive you to distraction, the repetitious, almost sing-song cadence of these types of books will help your child develop language skills because the prose is easily memorized.
It’s also a good idea to have a selection of picture books that depict ‘everyday’ items. Even though they are still months away from uttering their first word, these lessons will help form the basis of their soon-to-emerge vocabulary.
Finally, set a good example: let your child see you reading on a regular basis. Whether it’s the newspaper, a magazine or a novel, your child should know that reading is something that everyone can (and should) do every day.
Recommended Titles
Here are some timeless classics:
- Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
- Big and Little by Margaret Miller
- Pat the Bunny by Edith Kunhardt Davis
- Where’s Spot? by Eric Hill