Reading Tips for Parents

Under Two

Developmental

A newborn: listens and reacts to your voice and other sounds. Responds by cooing, gurgling, smiling, and crying.
Eight months: Plays with sounds and babbles. Can play peek-a-boo. Waves arms and kicks feet to show excitement.
Twelve months: Understands simple words. Understands and reacts to hand movements, faces, and changing tone of voice. Puts books in the mouth and turns pages of sturdy books.

Techniques:

• Take the child on your lap and open the book to the beginning. Don’t be upset if the baby grabs the book and begins to chew on it. You can give the child a toy to hold in each hand or buy cloth or vinyl books or keep the book just out of reach of the child.
• Turn the pages slowly and talk about what you see as you point to the pictures. Repeat common, familiar picture names, and encourage your baby’s interaction through your own voice tone.
• Praise your child when he or she tries a new word, even if they don’t say it exactly right. Making approximations is a first step toward reading.
• Recite or sing nursery rhymes or songs.
• Encourage your child to point and “read” about what he or she sees in the book.
• Sometimes when you say a word the child will try to say it also.
• Keep the sessions short. Five minutes will probably be enough time at first. Most babies have a short attention span.
• Use books with heavy cardboard or plastic pages. These are great for the babies to look at by themselves.
• Choose books with simple, bold, colorful shapes and simple, single word text.
• Obtain a library card for your child.

Toddlers 2-3 Years Old

Developmental

The child:
Puts two or more words together to make short sentences.
Asks and answers simple questions.
Can copy adult sounds, words, and motions.
Uses crayons and markers for scribbling.
Listens well to stories being read.
Enjoys fingerplays.
Likes to play pretend games.
Loves to ask “why” questions.
Likes naming objects.
Makes scribbles that look more like writing.

Techniques:

• Maintain a regular story time as a peaceful time for the whole family.
• Continue with short sessions and eventually lengthen the time.
• Choose nursery tales, songs and stories about family life that have a simple sentence structure.
• Use puppets and stuffed animals to help tell stories.
• Let the child choose the book sometimes. He/she may want you to read the same story over and over. That’s okay. You may get tired of reading it, but they are not tired of hearing it, and they need to hear the repetition of language.
• Make your reading fun by using different voices for different parts of the story.
• Talk about the book with your child. This helps them connect the story to something in real life.
• Don’t worry if your child doesn’t sit still while you read. He or she is still listening even if they are moving around.
• Visit the library often and take your child to the children’s activities there.

Preschoolers 3-4 Years Old

Developmental

The child:
May begin to recognize the alphabet letters.
Recognizes matching sounds and some printed letters and numbers, particularly in familiar names and ages.
Understands ideas such as beside, above, under, near and far.
Listens, follows directions, and can focus on a specific task for a short time.
Takes turns speaking in a conversation.
Likes being read to and knows about books.

Techniques:

• Have a regular reading time every day.
• Visit the library often and take your child to the children’s activities there.
• Choose picture books with lots of vocabulary and detailed illustration to read to your child.
• Sing songs and say nursery rhymes. If your child uses sign language, sign with your child.
• Give your child time and materials to color, draw, do puzzles and cut paper.
• Talk about everyday happenings. Explain what you are doing and how things work.
• Let your child help with the chores that include sorting, measuring, cooking, and counting.
• Encourage your child when he or she tries to read.

Kindergarten Children 5-6 Years Old

Developmental

The child:
Understands that print goes from left to right.
Is learning the letters and sounds of the alphabet.
Knows simple words like the, and, mom, etc.
Begins to understand that print carries a message.
Starts to read signs, food packages, and other everyday items.
Likes being read to and has favorite books and stories.
May be reading simple stories.

Techniques:

• Read out loud and talk about stories every day.
• Get your child a library card and go to the library regularly. Request songs and rhymes on tape.
• Choose books that are repetitive and full of rhyme, as well as those with longer sentences and more complex illustrations.
• Read and say nursery rhymes and sing songs together.
• Talk with your child’s teacher often about your child’s work.
• Let your child see you reading for fun and work.
• Talk about how you use reading during your day.
• Take time each day to talk about school and share your day.
• Encourage your child to try simple writing tasks (help with grocery lists, presents, etc.).
• Listen to your child.

Colorado State Library / Colorado Department of Education