Question
My
pediatrician says I should read books to my eight-month-old baby every
day, but I can't seem to get him to hold still and listen. I want him to
do well when he gets in school, but this feels like a losing battle. Do
you have any suggestions?
Answer
Although
reading to children has many benefits, forcing the issue will defeat
the purpose. It is important in the early years to help children
discover the joy of books, and there are many ways to do that without
trying to make a lively infant hold still.
Have
sturdy, colorful board books around for your baby to handle (and chew!)
during floor play. Get down on the floor and follow your baby's lead;
if a certain picture catches his attention, point to it and, in an
animated voice, tell him about it. For example, say, "That's a big, red
ball!" or "Look at the puppy! Puppies go woof-woof."
As
he gets older, engage your son in acting out what he sees in his
books-roaring like a lion, purring like a kitten, climbing Jack's
beanstalk or chugging up the hill like "The Little Engine that Could."
Use books as the starting place for him to use his energy and
imagination to go beyond what's on the page.
During
quiet times when you're nursing or rocking your baby, try reading him a
short bedtime story in a soft, soothing voice. This will help him
connect reading with those special, comfortable times you are together.
Let
your child see you reading for pleasure. Although he's too young now to
understand this, over time your example will help him discover the
value of reading.
Keep in
mind that good reading skills have their roots in early language
experience. So talk, talk, talk to your baby. When you're changing his
diaper or giving him a bath, smile and look into his eyes and describe
what you're doing. Make up silly rhymes, sing songs and tell him stories
with his name in them.
When
your son begins to talk, elaborate on what he says. For example, if he
points to a bird and says, "Birdie!" say, "Yes, that's a bird. Look at
the birdie fly away."
As he
learns more words, read the first part of a line in a familiar storybook
and let him supply the last word. This will be his first taste of
"reading" by himself and he'll love it when you cheer his efforts. Move
your finger under the sentence as you read and he'll discover the
left-to-right, top-to-bottom pattern of our written language.
When
your son is old enough to speak in sentences, encourage him to make up a
story of his own. Write it down on paper and read it back to him just
the way he said it. This provides a lesson in the link between spoken
and written language. But, most of all, it lets a child experience the
power of creating something that is his own.
Throughout
all of these activities, keep things light and fun and responsive to
your son's interests. Over time he'll learn that reading is not
something he "has to" do, but "gets to" do!
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