Help your child learn to read

Can my baby learn to read!?

    Early literacy training begins in infancy, and some small steps taken with your baby can have them reading long before they reach school. The best time to begin to teach babies to read starts just after birth. Children’s minds are most adept at learning new things between infancy and ages 5-6, when most children are just beginning school. Here are a few simple ways to introduce early literacy to your baby and young child. 

Tips to encourage your child to read

    The most important thing you can do to help your child learn to read and to use language is to speak to you baby often. Use clear speech, and point out some of what you are talking about. This helps show your child the meaning of your words. Introduce simple books to your baby. Some studies recommend doing this from birth, some from the age of 9 months. 

    Regardless of the exact age you choose, show interest in reading with your baby. This shows them that reading is a fun and valuable activity, as well as giving you a bonding time with your child. 

    Small board books with few words in a large print are a good choice for infants. When you say the word, point to the text. This helps your baby see that this text has meaning, and come to understand, over time, what the meaning attached to that text is. Board books are sturdy, and can hold up to clumsy handling and a little chewing. Try keeping a few with your baby’s other toys for easy access. 

    Most small children love building blocks – setting them up and knocking them down again. You can combine motor skills and literacy skills development by building words with alphabet blocks. Talk to your baby about what you are spelling and what it means. Toddlers love to help! Spelling their own names can be exciting to them, and is a good place to start asking them to spell with blocks for you. If you do not have letter blocks available near you, you can paint or draw letters on standard wood blocks with non-toxic paints or craft pens. 

    Sing song and make rhymes with your baby. Many children respond with enthusiasm to music, and will enjoy singing and hearing you sing the same songs again and again. Repetition helps them learn the words. If you don’t know many children’s tunes, look some up online, or at your local library or book-store. 

    While all of the above sounds like just fun and games, they are also tools to help your baby learn, both to read and to speak. These skills will last your child a lifetime, and benefit them in every way.