Reading, Rhythm, and Repetition

12 June 08

Reading aloud is also an important way to help your child make the transition from babyhood to toddlerhood. Between the ages of one and three, your child will have triumphs and challenges. It can help for your child to hear stories about other kids and how they managed fears about what's under the bed and tackled the challenge of using the potty.

Your toddler will also make big leaps in vocabulary during this time, and will learn about letters, shapes, colours, weather, animals, seasons – all of which can be reinforced through books. Chances are his favourite books involve rhythmic language, easily distinguishable images, movement, and things familiar! Farm animals, curious monkeys, red dogs, things with wheels—what are your child's preferences? Select new books for your toddler that relate to his immediate world and interests.

Choosing regular times to read (especially before naps and bedtime) is a way to help your child learn to sit with a book and relax. But you can read anytime your child seems in the mood.

Read whatever books your toddler asks for, even if it's the same book every night for weeks and weeks (and weeks and weeks)!
Read slowly enough for your toddler to understand.
Read expressively, using different voices for different characters and raising or lowering your voice as appropriate.
Use puppets, finger plays (like the "Itsy Bitsy Spider"), or props while you read.
Encourage your toddler to clap or sing when you read rhythmic, sing-song books.
Talk about the illustrations with your child. Point to items and name them. Then ask your child to name them with you and offer enthusiastic praise as he or she does so.
Ask open-ended questions - "Why do you think the lion is going into the woods? What do you think will happen next?" This encourages your child to think about the story and to ask questions.
Substitute your child's name for the name of a character in the book.
Have fun! Show your child that reading is enjoyable.
Talk about the colours you see, pointing out different items of the same colour.
Make noise! Explore vocal sound effects, singing, clapping, or other body percussion to the action in the book.

Create Your Own Book!

Toddlers love to look at homemade books, scrapbooks, or photo albums full of people they know (try adding simple captions). Or you could also create a book about a familiar activity your toddler enjoys. Poetry and songbooks are good choices for this age group too, and you may find that story time turns into sing-along time!

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