How to Read to a Toddler
Whether you’re a parent or babysitter, this has probably happened to you before: Your toddler waddles over to you with a book in hand, excitedly thrusts it into your lap and turns to her favorite page. You start reading in your exaggerated, animated reading voice, but your toddler quickly loses interest and slips away to play with her dolls instead. So much for that!
It can be a little frustrating, especially since we know how important it is to read to children. So here are a few quick tips to help you keep a toddler’s interest while reading.
Pick the right time
Just before bed or nap time is a great time to read to a toddler because she’s a little calmer (hopefully!) and in a mindset that is free from daytime distractions.
Pick a rhyming book
Repetitive and rhyming books have the rhythm and entertainment factor that other books don’t. You can also clap to the rhythm of the rhymes to keep the child more engaged and really feeling the beat.
Take your time
Your toddler may want to linger on a certain page for much longer than your patience would like, but don’t discourage her intrigue.
Hold the toddler in your lap
Not only does this help the child feel safer and more relaxed, it also encourages her to give her undivided attention and to participate more in the reading.
Point to images
Instead of just reading the book, point to things that capture the toddler’s attention. Pointing out colors, shapes and objects will help her understand that the written words represent things/ideas, which will do wonders for her language skills.
Ask questions
In addition to pointing out certain things, ask your child questions about the book, story or images to help her think about the story. “How many people are on this page?” “What do you think happened to the red ball?”
Substitute the child’s name for the main character’s
It’s a silly little trick, but it always tickles the toddlers and they become more invested in the story.
Give her a favorite toy to hold
Some toddlers sit still better when they have their favorite toy or while they’re coloring during the reading. That’s totally fine! Don’t assume she’s not listening just because she’s not looking at the book.
Keep the book out
Even if your toddler decides that it’s time to run circles in the kitchen instead of finishing the book, keep the book out and in plain view. She may want to come back to it in a few minutes and you can pick up right where you left off.
