Why read to your child? We all want our children do do well in school, listen, and communicate well with others, right? Did you know that reading aloud stimulates language development, even before a child can talk? It’s never to early to start reading to your baby. Reading improves listening, memory, and vocabulary! Reading together encourages a love a books, academic excellence, and helps build a stronger relationship with caregivers.
Tips For Helping Your Child Become Interested In Books
- Start with simple board books with colorful photos. Point to the pictures and name items. Make it fun! For young children, don’t focus on reading stories. Your goal is to gradually increase your child’s attention and ability to sit with you. Don’t expect them to sit for an entire story at first. Point to things, keep your language simple using only a word or short phrases, let them help you turn pages, and don’t be discouraged if they don’t sit for the entire book. Look at a few pages and try again later!

- Try sturdy lift the flap books or books that have things children can slide/open/close/manipulate with their hands.

- Look at photos in a photo album or make your own photo album using small, dollar store photo album and cut out photos from magazines of dogs, cars, babies or anything your child is interested in to fill the album and sit together and talk about the pictures.

- Develop a routine. Try to read at certain, predictable times such as before nap or bedtime, or in the morning after breakfast.
- Keep your child’s interests in mind. If your child loves cars, trains, or Dora…read books about them! This is a great way to interest a child in books who may not have previously enjoyed books.
- Keep books where your babies can reach them. Keep a few books visible in each room. Periodically rotate/replace.
- Don’t give up! Keep it fun! Sing songs, make silly faces and noises, and if at first you don’t succeed…keep trying! But, don’t force it. We want babies to decide they love books, and willingly take part. Show them some pictures, point, explore, be fun, and let them move on when they are ready.
Remember, babies don’t need smartphones! There is no substitute for developing vocabulary and communication through conversation and interaction with people.
The Therapy S.P.O.T. – Speech, Physical, and Occupational Therapy
Our multidisciplinary therapy center was established in 2007, and is committed to providing quality therapy services in a fun, family and child centered environment. We provide pediatric speech, feeding, physical, and occupational therapy as well as adult speech and swallowing therapy. Our therapists have unique and specialized skills and training, and we strive to pair our patients with the therapists who will best meet their specific needs. You can learn more about our services at http://www.therapyspotstatesboro.com. Questions or concerns about your child’s development? Call us at (912) 681-7768 for a free consultation.