Want to ‘raise a reader’? Growing a love for reading and book starts at birth!
Literacy begins with us and our babies, from birth. Taking the time to sing, rhyme and read to our babies starts the relationship that will grow as they grow to develop their listening skills and reading skills.
So how do you raise a reader? A lover of literacy? We have some tips and suggestions to help you out:
- When baby is young, try sitting and cuddling while reading bright colored books with simple pictures.
- Make reading part of your daily routine, after bath before bed or any time throughtout your day.
- As baby grows let them explore the books on their own. They may start to flap their arms when you read, try to chew on the books, pick up and drop the books.
- As baby grows adjust the books to those that are interactive – touch/feel books,lift the flap…
- Let your child lead the way, they may want to turn the pages too soon but that is OK.
- As your baby grows into a toddler, set aside in their room or play room for a reading nook – simple chair or pillows and some book shelves. This may turn into a favortie quiet time spot later on.
- Once your child is older incorporate crafts into story time – simple but based on the books theme.
- Rotate books in their library, or go get a local library card to keep the stock fresh and exciting.
- Read yourself! Kids mimic our behavour, if they see you reading they will as well.
At momstown we have a keen focus on ealry childhood literacy through our monthly programs – Books for Babies and Tales for Tots which is based on our literacy program pillar and sponsored by Scholastic Canada. At each of the programs we read a book, make a simple craft, then one lucky mama and child win the book to take home and build their home library.
Want to join us? A momstown Program Pass allows you to attend up to 25 programs a month all based on our program pillars. Click HERE for more information.
