Imagine sitting your baby in your lap and reading
a book to him for the first time.How different
from just talking! Now you're showing him pictures.
You point to them.
In a lively way, you explain what the pictures are.
You've just helped your child take the next step
beyond talking. You've shown him that words and
pictures connect. And you've started him on his
way to understanding and enjoying books.
While your child is still a baby, reading aloud
to him should become part your daily routine.
Pick a quiet time, such as just before you put
him to bed. This will give him a chance to rest
between play and sleep. If you can, read with
him in your lap or snuggled next to you so that
he feels close and safe.
As he gets older, he may need to move around some
as you read to him. If he gets tired or restless,
stop reading. Make reading aloud a quiet and
comfortable time that your child looks forward to.
Chances are very good that he will like reading
all the more because of it.
Try to spend at least 30 minutes each day reading
to and with your child. At first, read for no
more than a few minutes at a time, several
times a day. As your child grows older, you should
be able to tell if he wants you to read for longer
periods. Don't be discouraged if you have to skip
a day or don't always keep to your schedule. Just
get back to your daily routine as soon as you can.
Most of all, make sure that reading stays fun for
both of you!
Reading books with their children is one of the
most important things that parents can do to
help their children become readers.
What Does It Mean?
From the earliest days, talk with your child
about what you are reading. You might point to
pictures and name what is in them. When he is
ready, have him do the same. Ask him, for
example, if he can find the little mouse in the
picture, or do whatever is fun and right for
the book. Later on, as you read stories, read
slowly and stop now and then to think aloud about
what you've read. From the time your child is able
to talk, ask him such questions about the story as,
"What do you think will happen next?" or "Do you
know what a palace is?" Answer his questions and,
if you think he doesn't understand
Don't worry if you occasionally break the flow of
a story to make clear something that is important.
However, don't stop so often that the child loses
track of what is happening in the story.
Anil Vij is the creator of the ultimate parenting toolbox,
which has helped parents all over the world raise smarter,
healthier and happier children ==> http://www.expertsonparenting.com
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