Reading to
your baby Begin story time as early as you could to bond with
your child and give her a head start on learning. Even if your baby
is more interested to put a book in her mouth than to turn its
pages, It doesn't mean it's too soon to start reading to him/her.
Experts say exposing babies to books in the first year is crucial
to their intellectual and emotional growth. In fact, research shows
that reading to infants can help jump-start brain development and
can even make them more receptive to learning. Picture books with
bright, simple images provide visual stimulation that enhances your
child's cognitive skills. Pointing to the images in the book and
talking about them with your baby helps him/her link words with
specific objects. This shows him/her that what she sees in books
exists in real life. An example would be : ‘The little boy has a
blue romper? They're just like the blue romper you are wearing!’
Sharing story time with your baby can boost his/her emotional
development. "Being held and hearing your voice during specific
reading sessions daily gives your baby a sense of stability and
security. It also creates a positive association between special
bonding time with books, and this encourages a lifelong love of
reading." Of course, reading to young babies isn't always easy.
While some infants sit still and listen intently, many others run
away and fuss or try to pull the book out of your hand. This is
very normal. Don't worry if your baby do not seems to be interested
at all when you first start reading to him. With a little practice
and patience, your baby will most likely learn how to settle down.
Eliminating distractions and giving your child something to hold,
such as a bottle or a toy, might help him/her focused.
Changing the tone of your voice, making faces to show emotion or
surprise, and interacting with your baby while you're reading like
tapping him/her nose when a horn toots help draw her into the
story. But if your baby keeps trying to run away, it's best to put
the book down and try again later. The key is to make story time a
fun activity for your baby and for you. Here are some ways to do
that. 1. Choose the correct timing Make it a habit to read several
times during the day when you're in a relaxed mood and your baby is
receptive to stories, such as after a nap or just before bedtime.
Start reading to him for just a few minutes, and gradually increase
the time to get him used to looking at books. Remember, It’s never
too early to start. 2. Tune up your tone. When reading, use a
high-pitched, expressive voice. Speak slowly and clearly,
pronouncing each syllable so she can hear the different sounds of
language. Researchers have found that babies prefer and learn best
from a singsong, exaggerated tone. 3. Read it again and again and
again. Read your baby's favorite books, and repeat
some of the words over and over. Reading familiar books makes your
baby feel comfortable, confident, and secure because he knows what
to expect next. 4. Follow her lead. Let your baby play the main
lead by letting him/her hold, touch, and play with the book. At
around 8 months, help her learn to turn the pages of the book.
Prepare books made of sturdy cardboard, heavy-duty cloth, or soft
plastic because they stand up to chewing, grabbing, and tossing.
Even if you read only a few words at each session, your baby will
definitely benefit and perhaps even develop a lifelong affinity for
books.
