Reading – A Practice of Reading Readiness

Reading and sharing books with children gets them excited about reading on their own one day. When families read together, children:

Tips for Adults

Here are a few things adults can do to encourage reading readiness in children:

There is a book for every child! Find books that match your child’s interests or ask a librarian for suggestions.
Talk about illustrations and ask children to turn the pages.
Underline repeated phrases with your finger as you read.
Point out certain letters when reading, such as the first letter of your child’s name.
Ask open-ended questions while reading to encourage conversation.
Read to your child in whatever language is most comfortable for you.

Here’s what to look for in books for babies:

These are books for babies.

Here’s what to look for in books for toddlers:

These are books for toddlers.

Here’s what to look for in books for preschoolers:

Non-fiction books abouts animals and science
Books with simple and predictive plots
Books that introduce more advanced concepts like opposites, size, and time
Start with very short books for babies and toddlers and work up to longer (but still short!) books for preschoolers. Reading should be fun, keep an eye on your child’s interest level!

These are books for preschoolers.

Here are links to resources for early learning brain development:

Talking, singing, reading, writing and playing nurture a child’s desire to read and prepare them for the adventures of reading.

Reading should be fun—follow your child’s lead when they are interested and ready.
You do not have to read the whole book! A few pages here and there is perfectly okay.
Young children are naturally active—even if they are moving around, they are still listening to you read to them.