Why Read?
Why read to your baby?
Talking to babies helps them to use and understand language. Reading is another way to talk to them. Babies may babble along with you when you read - they are trying out their voices. Babies are calmed by the sound of their parents' voices. Reading with babies helps them feel safe.
Babies and toddlers often want to hear the same story over and over. This is okay! They like knowing what will happen. Familiar stories help them feel calm and (for toddlers) in control. Young children need an opportunity to develop skills to attend and focus. They start with brief periods of time and then build their attention span.
Young children who read together with their parents learn that objects on the page represent other real-life objects. This is a first step in learning about other symbols, like letters and numbers.
Reading is inexpensive and something you can do almost anywhere. The public library has lots of appropriate books and materials. Developing a love of reading and learning begins at an early age.
Reading is one of the best things you can do to show your love for your child!
Books About Beginning School:
Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come! by Nancy Carlson
Tom Goes To Kindergarten by Margaret Wild
Books About Transitions and Changes:
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
The Way I Feel by Janan Cain
Baby Rattlesnake by Lynn Moroney