Reading to your baby is a treasured experience, and it's one that helps your baby discover the world around him. Be sure you take time everyday to pick up a book and help your baby expand his world and engage his imagination.
Reading to a baby doesn't come naturally to everyone. But practice will help you become comfortable reading aloud, and before you know it, you'll enjoy it as much as your baby does.
Other tips to consider when reading aloud to a baby:
Children learn to listen by practicing. Be patient with your child and remember that his attention span is short.
Set aside time every day to read, and try to make it a habit. Read before bed or before a nap, or read every evening after dinner.
Use plenty of expression, and change your voice with the characters.
Children sometime respond to whispers more than anything. Whisper certain parts of the story and see if that catches your child's attention.
Encourage your baby to help you turn the pages of the book.
Let your baby point to pictures and you help him identify what they are.
Don't force baby to read with you when he's had enough. You'll know when it's time to put the book down and move on.
Board books are ideal for a baby and they stand up to wear and tear. Stock your child's library with plenty of board books that he can access easily.
Have fun. Reading to your child is something you should look forward to, and before you know it, your child will be reading to you.
