brary – it’s free to join and borrow.
- Let your toddler choose the books when he’s old enough to start asking.
- Be prepared to read favourite books over and over again!
If you have older children, they can share books with your younger children, or you can all read together. Taking turns, asking questions and listening to the answers are all important skills that will help your child when she starts learning to read.
Even reading for a few minutes at a time is effective – you don’t always have to finish the book. As children grow, they’re typically able to listen for longer.
What sort of books to read with your child
There are so many books to choose from that it can be hard to know where to start. As a broad rule, young children often enjoy books, songs and stories that have good rhyme, rhythm and repetition. In fact, one of the ways that children learn is through repetition and rhyme.
Consider books that are the right length for your child to reflect your child’s changing interests and to keep him engaged.
For a guide to what might suit your child, you might like to look at the following articles:
You can also vary the books you read. Picture books, magazines, instruction manuals, TV guides and letters can all be interesting and engaging for your child. Arranging book swaps with friends, or at your parent group or early childhood centre, can be a good way to try new books without much expense.
Using your local library
Libraries have a lot to offer. Getting to know your local library can be a part of learning about and loving books.
You can borrow great children’s books for free from your local library. This means you can have lots of books in your home for your child to explore – and it won’t cost you a cent.
Taking your child to the library and letting her choose her own books can be a fun adventure. You can talk about and plan your trip to the library with your child, and get excited together. You could ask your child, for example:
- How many books will you choose?
- How many books can you find by your favourite author?
- Will you borrow books that have animals in them?
- Do you have a favourite book you’d like to borrow again?
- How many days will it be before we go to the library again?
Libraries also offer storytimes and activities for young children. Going along to these sessions is a way to help your child become familiar with the library, have fun and enjoy books and stories.
Libraries often stock audio books and dual-language books. You can listen to audio books in the car or as a family at home together. Many libraries also provide access to e-books through their websites.
Just contact your local library for more information.