Last month, we shared The Benefits of Reading With Your Child, but how do you go about choosing a great book for them? Here are 13 tips to help you:
- Choose a theme that will interest your child.
- Thick pages are easier for little fingers to turn.
- Clear, concrete pictures / photos are best for small children.
- Choose a book with lots of repetitive words and phrases.
- Small children like manipulative books.
- Try to choose some books with rhymes.
- Pick books that encourage non-speech sounds (ie., animal sounds, sounds around the house).
- Pick books that encourage actions or gestures (ie., The Wheels on the Bus).
- Pick books that encourage pretend play.
- Use books to help teach concepts (ie., size, shape, texture).
- Try to find books with a surprise ending.
- Try making books or photo albums to share with your child.
- Choose a variety of books (ie., fiction, non-fiction, poetry).
In addition to the tips above, think about what kinds of routines you can introduce to encourage reading. You might have a reading routine at home, or make a weekly trip to your local library. Did you know that the Parkdale Public Library allows you to browse by age? Give it a try at this link: https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/books-video-music/books/childrens-books/
At Creating Together, we are here to support you. Consider joining us on Mondays for Literacy Mondays, Story Time every day at 1pm, or make a point of sharing some reading time in our Literacy Corner! See you there!
