Your baby developed a love of books through read aloud experiences with his parents. Now, he is toddler and still loves books. Your baby has changed drastically. Your reading style must also change. As a toddler, your child will take on a more active part in the reading. He may begin to imitate you and repeat words. From books your toddler will learn new words and develop ‘favorites’.
Because young toddlers are often still in the exploration stage, board books and hard covers are still best choices. Pick books with simple concepts and text. Young toddlers love books with familiar topics such as mommies, daddies, dogs, etc. Nursery rhyme and songbooks are also popular with young toddlers. However, all children are different. Read different types of books to your child and see which he prefers. Yet keep in mind that the goal in reading books to your child at this age is to teach language.
When reading to your young toddler, ask him to participate by letting him choose a book and help with the text. Ask your child to state objects or animals seen in the book. Praise your child when he helps. Try to connect the book with your child’s experiences. If there is a dog in the book, you can comment on your child’s own dog. The more language that you engage your toddler in, the more he will learn.
You will know that your child is learning from reading books to him when he comes to you with a book and asks you to read to him. Your toddler may also begin repeating single words or phrases from the books that you read. Toddlers often repeat these phrases or words to themselves while they are playing or trying to go to sleep.
No matter when or what you decide to read to your young toddler, he will no doubt enjoy and benefit from the private time with you.
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