Passing on the love of Reading

Ready for Reading
One of the most important parts of your baby’s development is their interest in Reading. It’s a skill that connects us with the world on so many levels. Think about….if you didn’t know how to read, you couldn’t write thank you notes, text message or send emails. Ah, now I got your attention.

Incorporate reading into your baby’s daily routine. I truly enjoy the bonding time of sharing a bedtime story with my baby. I am sending a strong message to him that reading is fun, relaxing and enjoyable.

In the beginning, babies just enjoy looking at colors and pictures. Next, they will develop an interest of the rhyming words. Finally, they’ll develop a love for books.

Here are some ideas to help encourage interest in Reading:

• Select books that are age appropriate: hardcover, bold colors, realistic pictures.
• Rhyming to help increase vocabulary
• Three-dimensional books with textures and peek-a-boo flaps
• Keep books accessible at all times
• Bath time get waterproof books
• Go to the library often
• Share your favorite story book character with your child
• Go to your local Scholastic Warehouse sale: twice a year you’ll find amazing deals. http://www.scholastic.com/bookfairs/events/warehouse/

With all this said, the number one most important rule about reading is GETTING INTO CHARACTER! Babies and children love to hear the change of the inflection in your voice. For example if the story is about a silly old lady…Make an old granny voice while reading. Your child will feel your enthusiasm and react accordingly. Toddlers will develop a response of a smile or giggle. While the older children will respond with “Oh that’s just silly mom!”  By making the connections in your child’s imagination will only foster a love for reading. How can you not want to read more?

The benefits of reading are countless. I could go on for days throwing statistics at you, but I won’t. However, I will say this Kindergarten readiness! Mom’s that have or had kindergarteners know what I’m talking about. Your child’s success rate in school is all linked to Reading. The facts are the facts children that are successful in school are good readers.  They have developed a love and interest for reading. They have actively involved parents or other family members reading to them. They have lots of exposure to print. I they will be prepared to name their ABC’s.

I promise you, if you incorporate a minimum of just reading one story a day; you’d be amazed with the outcome.  It only takes a few minutes a day for a life time of results.