Read for Joy! Part 1.
Books help children in so many ways!
Take it from a grandma, children’s librarian and early literacy advocate -- there is nothing that can replace the intimate, positive experience of reading and singing with your child.
On social media I’ve noticed more and more what I call, “unnecessary screen use” with babies under 2 years.
By unnecessary I mean, usually, animated content or games. A brief video call with a grandma, grandpa or faraway parent is screen use in service of family connection. (However, I do still believe it’s confusing for young children - it certainly is for my grandson!)
We know from much research and professional guidance, that it is not good to expose babies to too much screen time.
This article is to remind us all how uniquely important reading, rhyming, singing is crucial for language development and later school success.
Reading with your (or a) child is a cozy time to give each other undivided attention. This close time together says, “You are special and we are doing something imporant together.”
Let’s start at the very beginning.
Rock’n’Rhyme
Why do you think nursery rhymes have been around for so long and never seem to get old?
Babies like the rhythm of your familiar voice saying or singing a nursery rhyme. The steady beat is comforting, especially paired with rocking.
Truthfully, this is bliss for a baby. You can bring these rhymes alive by making them sensory. Incorporate fingerplays, walk Itsy Bitsy spider up and down the arm or leg or travel round and round the garden (bellybutton) like a teddy bear.
One of my favorite rhymes that’s great for the changing table is Here are baby’s fingers. End with a loud raspberry kiss on the belly!
What big eyes you have! All the better to stare!
Babies stare! They stare at faces and contrasting colors and shapes. Staring actually helps their vision develop. My favorite book to prop open in your baby’s crib or on the floor for tummy time is Tana Hoban’s accordion book, Black & White:
Choose the best time of day when your baby is most attentive. Make sure she’s not hungry or sleepy. When your little one is quiet and alert, you can talk to her and she will pay attention to your face. First it will be for just a minute or so, but these times will grow longer and longer and you will be able to share books with her during these focused periods.
Board books are designed for babies in their first few years of life. These books have stiff pages which are sturdier and make it easier for baby to turn the pages by himself - a very important first skill. He will begin studying the pictures and talking about what he sees. Books with textures, crinkly pages, flaps all make for a sensory experience.
Books teach object permanence. She’s learning that things still exist even when they cannot be seen. She will discover that every time she opens the book she sees the same picture there each time. Before long she can predict what will happen when she opens the book. She begins to feel that she can control a part of her world! What a confidence builder! What joy!
Warmly,
Miss Pam