Toddlers are beginning to learn the structure of language. They love to talk and will insist on reading the books they want again and again.
What's beginning with language with 2 to 3 year olds…
Toddlers are forming basic literacy concepts:
Print is speech written down.
Printed words in a book don't change.
Stories in books have a structure that conveys meaning.
What works when reading with toddlers…
Place books down low where your child can reach them.
Let your child:
- Choose books to read
- Hear the same book over and over.
- Move around while you are reading
- Turn pages.
- Fill in words in stories they know.
- Point to and name pictures.
- Make sounds – animal noises, trains, and silly sounds.
What 2 to 3 year olds like in books . . .
Paper pages as well as board books.
Silly and funny books.
Playing with language.
Rhymes, rhythms, and repetitive wording.
Books about:
- Children and families.
- Making friends.
- Food, animals, trucks and big machines.
For more information:
Zero to Three
Bright Futures
Born Learning
