How to read with a child?
Reading with a child is an activity that actively involves the child and represents one of the most comprehensive development stimuli. It also offers closeness with the parent, play-like exploration, word exchange, encouragement, naming, a strong emotional experience, and an opportunity to explore and understand the objects and events surrounding the child.
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You can read with a child from the earliest days of a baby's life. Here are some guidelines on how to read with a child, regardless of age:
- the book, time and place for reading are chosen by the child. For this reason, the books that are available to the child at home should be appropriate to the child's interests and skills. Their size should be such that the child can hold them in his/her hands, pass them from hand to hand, turn them, carry them, etc. The illustrations should also be appropriate to the child. For example, baby books are usually black and white or in contrasting colors, with one large shape on a white background;
- the book is positioned facing the child, and the adult and the child are face to face. This allows the child to explore the book, and the parent - to observe the child's behavior, facial expressions, movements, vocalization (or speech) - initiatives that show how he/she wants to explore or participate in reading;
- reading is an invitation to play - with words or characters. You can help your child stay focused by changing your facial expression, tempo of speech, tone. Name what the child sees, but be sure to ask broad, open-ended questions - who, what, how, where...
- reading is a conversation with the child. So, give your child a chance to think of something to say. Wait for the child to answer when you ask a question. Meanwhile, watch the child's facial expression, look at him/her with interest. When the child answers and shows that he/she is ready to participate further - show approval, a cheerful face, curiosity to find out what the child thinks, discovers, says, asks;
- reading is an opportunity to connect with the child. So, try to speak in a warm voice, to be authentically interested in exploration together with the child. Smile, enjoy with the child and show him/her that he/she is loved, accepted and important.
You can read with your child anytime and anywhere. You can read about anything - you can talk about pictures, read recipes, analyze photos, read stories. Read with your child every day!
