Reading with Young Children

When reading with children between the ages of four months and one year, begin to talk with the baby about what you read and see in the pictures before you turn the pages. Remember that the world is all new to a baby!

Slow down and enjoy your child's response to the book. If she gets restless, don't force the reading to go on. Find a place to stop and change activities. You can always come back to books another time. Be patient and take pleasure in spending time with your child. From the very beginning, your aim should be:

• For the child to feel comfortable and secure when you read together.
  
  
• For the child to hear language and new words (he is building his vocabulary of understanding long before he speaks).
  
  
• For the child to begin to see print and reading as a part of life.