There’s a huge range of ages when kids start reading books. Regardless of when your child starts, there are some things you can do to help build their love of reading.
Make it a regular part of their routine. Start with short, sweet stories that you can read at bedtime or during other quiet moments.
Board Books
Board books are typically the first format that most parents use to introduce reading to their children. This is because they are designed for smaller hands and won’t rip or break easily. They also allow children to develop their motor skills by practicing turning the pages and are a great choice for tummy time.
Some board books are interactive, such as lift-the-flap books or sliding tabs. They can also include touch-and-feel elements, die-cut pages or uniquely-shaped pages. These can be an ideal first experience for young children, as they can discover new textures and engage with different textures on the page.
Textually, board books can be divided into those that feature stories and those that support conceptual understanding. Often, a board book will be based on one concept that can be identified by young children through “point and say” activities (such as colors, shapes, or numbers).
These types of stories are best for babies around 9 months, who are starting to recognize books by touching them, looking at them, and even mouthing them. This behavior is normal, as it shows that they are curious and want to explore them.
Babies enjoy being read to, as it allows them to become familiar with words, sound effects, and the visuals of books. It also helps them develop their attention span and listening skills.
As they get older, children can start to read on their own or with a parent. This is an important part of learning to read because it teaches children how to take turns, ask questions, and talk about the story. It is also a great way to build a love of books and improve their reading skills.
It’s common for a child to have a favorite story, and they may like to read it night after night. If this is the case, it’s a good idea to try new books and read them often. This will help your child learn to read and build their confidence.
The first book a child sees will be their first impression of reading, so it’s crucial to choose high-quality books that are fun and engaging. This will set your child up for a lifetime of reading and will establish a positive association with books.
Toddler Books
Toddlers may be too young for bedtime reading, but they’re ready to explore more complex stories. Books with flaps, tabs and other interactive features will keep them engaged during story time. These types of books can also be a great way to teach them about shapes and colors.
Babies are often drawn to books with bright, colorful pictures. They may even enjoy peeking through the pages to see what’s going on, says Hudson Kam. Some toddlers might prefer a simple book with just one picture.
Another good pick is a book that teaches babies about the different feelings they experience. These books can be particularly helpful when children start experiencing emotions such as sadness or anger. These books will help them learn that their feelings are normal and that they’re okay.
This book, with illustrations that are reminiscent of collage, helps toddlers learn to express their emotions in a safe and positive way. Its childlike style, along with a fun surprise at the end, will make it a favorite of children who have trouble controlling their feelings.
Some toddlers can identify their emotions by color, so this book helps them learn about the differences between happy and sad. A color monster explains each emotion in a way that is both silly and sensitive, and the book ends with a sweet surprise.
In addition to being a great tool for teaching children about emotions, this book is a nice way to introduce the concept of families. Its charming illustrations show families from different ages and backgrounds, a great way to help toddlers understand that everyone has a special part to play in the world.
The classic Going to Bed book gets an expanded edition, with more animal characters and a bonus song. In this longer version, the animal characters don’t sleep in their own beds at first, but a little bit of fun rhyme and a catchy refrain will have them settling in their own cribs by the end of the story.
The most important thing to remember is that reading with your child is fun. It’s an opportunity to bond with them and build a lifelong love of books.
Preschool Books
Reading books is one of the best ways to learn about the world around us. Whether you read to your child in the car, while they sleep, or during story time, books are a wonderful way to teach your little one about language, emotions, and more.
While the exact moment when your baby begins to read is dependent on their age, there are certain signs that they are ready for reading. Here are some of them:
Familiarity
When your little one is just learning to read, they want you to find them books that are familiar. That means that they want you to use words and images that are familiar to them, such as their own faces and things that they can see in your home.
This may sound like a small detail, but it’s a big deal. Choosing a book that is similar to what your child already knows and loves helps them connect with the story and makes it easier for them to enjoy the text.
Another sign that your child is ready for reading is that they’re willing to read on their own without you. When this happens, it’s a good time to introduce them to chapter books.
It’s also a great idea to start them on longer stories. They’ll love it and it will help them get better at reading.
Almost always, the longer the story is, the better it will be for them to understand what they’re reading. Longer stories have more characters and more dialogue that children can follow along with.
They’re also great for building a vocabulary. Many preschoolers love learning about animals and farm life, so grab a bunch of books with farm pictures and sounds on the pages.
You can even buy a set of little label books so your child can make their own. These are the perfect size for little hands to hold and explore on their own, plus they’re cute and easy to share!
When it comes to books, a child’s interest is what matters most. That’s why it’s important to know what kind of books your child wants and what they are interested in at any given moment. That way you can pick the right books for them.
Kindergarten Books
Generally, kids learn to read between 4 and 7 years of age. However, it’s important to note that the age when a child begins reading depends on many factors. For example, children may be more interested in learning to read earlier or later for various reasons.
If your child has a strong interest in learning to read, start reading books to them at an early age and continue to support their growth in the area. By reading together, you can encourage your child to develop their own preferences and make informed decisions about the types of books they want to read.
For example, if your child is very interested in fairy tales and talking trucks, you should consider buying them some books with these elements. These kinds of stories are rich in detail and help children explore their senses, which can be crucial for early literacy development.
Kindergarten books should also feature simple, repetitive text that helps children practice vocabulary. In addition to phonics-related topics, you can look for books that focus on social skills or teach children to use their imagination.
You can also find a variety of multicultural titles that can help introduce students to different cultures. For example, One Sun and Countless Stars: A Muslim Book of Numbers is an excellent choice for teaching students about shapes and numbers alongside Muslim culture.
Some of the best kindergarten books are also full of illustrations that are evocative and enticing. For instance, this lyrical story about two young children who get caught in a white-out is an ideal choice for teachers who wish to inspire their classes to consider the situation from a different perspective.
Another fantastic example is A Mouse Who Came to School, which teaches children about cause and effect while they explore their new school environment. It’s a wonderful way to help kids build confidence in their ability to do things on their own and to feel like they have control over the situations they find themselves in.
For those who are looking for a more sensitive story about the importance of friendships, this is an excellent choice. When a group of noisy friends decides to play a game, a quiet friend helps them understand that sometimes it’s the quietest person who can have the most helpful ideas. This story is perfect for introducing concepts such as friendship and self-regulation, which are essential for kindergarten.
