Reading and Language Arts Development for Babies and Toddlers

• Listening to he sounds of familiar voices can comfort a child. As children listen to everyday speech, they store a mental vocabulary of names for familiar objects.

• Look at pictures in books. Babies love to look at pictures of other babies, animals, and familiar objects as much as they enjoy hearing about them.

• Learn about rhymes. Nursery rhymes boost language development and imagination. If you include finger play, rocking, or bouncing, nursery rhymes can be even more fun!

• Begin to talk. Of course, this will be each child’s own "language" at first, but as he/she grows it will be closer and closer to speech.

• Babies cannot sit still if they’re hungry or tired. Pick a quiet time after feeding to cuddle with a book.

• Your baby might show no interest in books at all. Don’t despair! You can still cuddle and discuss your child’s favorite truck or blanket. Wait a few days before introducing a book again.

• Watch out for distractions! When you’re trying to read, make sure the TV and radio are off and other children aren’t making noise nearby.

• If your very young child’s attention is short, simply make up your own text to go with a picture book. Say, "Look, a kitty" as you point to a kitten, or "Look, a puppy" when you point to a dog. If your child is restless, simply end the book, saying, "They’re all going to bed. Good night!"

• Show your toddler how to hold a book. Eventually, he/she will learn how the front of the book is different from the inside and that the pictures are full of interesting things that remain the same whenever your child sees them.

• Give your toddler books with cardboard or vinyl pages that show other babies and toddlers doing interesting things. It’s OK if they chew on them! That’s one more way of digesting the text!

• Bounce your baby on your knee with some familiar Mother Goose rhymes. Try "This is the Way the Lady Rides," "Humpty Dumpty," "Baa Baa Black Sheep," and "Mary Had a Little Lamb." Make sure you pause when it’s appropriate and use lots of expressions. This helps your child learn the rhythm of speech and develops a preliminary sense of what sentences are all about.

• Carry on constant conversations with your child. When you’re doing something, simply talk about it. For example, say, "Now we’re getting in the car, and I’m buckling you into your car seat. We’re going to drive to the
store and get some food."

• Sometimes it’s fun to speak in baby talk with your child. Repeat what he says back to him, and you’re sure to make him laugh!

• Sing in the car! Try the old favorites—"BINGO," "Farmer in the Dell," "Old McDonald," "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star," and the "ABC" song. For a little accompaniment, you can check out popular children’s audio tapes from the library. If you find one your child loves, consider purchasing it.