Tips for Reading With Newborns to Age 5

Do you have little ones in your life?  Would you like those kids to grow up and love to read? I believe that we can meet the needs of ALL growing readers and we can start when they are just little tykes.  It’s never too early to start developing a love of reading with children!

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Tips for Reading with Young Children

Newborn to 6 Months

• You can start reading with your child the day you bring them home from the hospital.  Though your child doesn’t understand the words, the sound of your voice is music to their ears.
• Bold and simply illustrated books held about 10 inches away from your child work best.  Some examples include Black on White and White on Black by Tana Hoban, Spot books by Eric Hill and Chicka Chicka ABC by Bill Martin.

6 Months to 12 Months

• Babies love to put everything in their mouth.  Board books, cloth books and vinyl books work best for this age.   Here is a list of my son’s first year favorites board books at this age.
• Make reading part of your daily routine.  You might share a favorite book before nap or bedtime.

1 Year to 2 Years

• Start asking questions like, “Can you find the cat?”  Questioning encourages your child to interact with the text.
• You will also start to notice that your child has a strong preference for certain books.  Even though you are tired of reading the same book 100 times, your child is delighting in the comfort and familiarity that books bring.
• Children at this age really enjoy repetitive text and predictable books.  You might check out:  Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle, The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle or Time for Bed by Mem Fox.

2 Years to 3 Years

• Your toddler is probably pretty active and will enjoy acting out stories.  We’re Going On a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury, Bark, George by Jules Feiffer and The Wheels on the Bus by Paul O. Zelinksy fit the bill.
• They also love to hear stories about themselves.  So, don’t hesitate to substitute their name in place of character names in a story.  You can even make up stories about your family.
• Your child’s vocabulary is rapidly developing.  Each book you read broadens that vocabulary.
• Also, encourage your child to notice the fine details in illustrations.  I’m always amazed at what my son finds in the pictures that I miss!

3 Years to 4 Years

• Include books from a variety of cultures on your reading shelf.
• Your child’s taste and attention span are expanding.   If your child doesn’t have their own library card, now is a good time to get them one.  They will love the ownership of having their own card to check books out from your local library.
• While at the library, check into preschool story time.  Most libraries host several events each month.

4 Years to 5 Years

• Picture books can help with major events in your child’s life such as starting school, a new sibling in the house or the death of a pet.
• Kids at this age generally have a strong interest in nature.  Look for books on topics that interest your child.  You can check out  recommendations on my book list page.
• Your child may not be taking a nap anymore, but having a quiet book time in the afternoon may help to refresh everyone.
• Children may take an interest in reading the words themselves.  Don’t push your child though if they aren’t ready.  You want to keep reading time fun.
• Some preschoolers are ready to listen to chapter book read-alouds.  Check out these tips for reading chapter books to preschoolers.

I hope you find this list useful in helping nurture our youngest readers.

P.S. For more great book recommendations and  literacy ideas sign up for our email list.

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