Reading with babies and toddlers: share a book together
A few enjoyable pages can become a familiar daily ritual.
Reading together can mean pointing, naming pictures or telling your own version of a story. You do not have to finish the book. Let your child choose a page and follow what catches their attention. Scribbling with age-appropriate materials is another way to explore marks; formal handwriting or reading drills are not the goal in these early years.
You can try
- Choose a sturdy book with clear pictures.
- Point to one picture, name it and give your child time to respond.
- Repeat a favourite page or let them turn it with your help.
Sharing a book without rushing
What if my child will not sit still?
Show just one picture while they are nearby, copy an animal sound or let them turn the page. If they move away or lose interest, stop and try another time. You do not need to hold them in place or finish the story.
How can we start with one page?
For example, point to a dog and say: ‘A dog. Woof!’ Pause. If your child looks, points or makes a sound, respond to that. If they choose another picture, follow it. This is a shared conversation, not a vocabulary test.
Is it OK to read the same book again?
Yes. Return to a favourite page, repeat a sound or pause before a familiar phrase. You can also offer another book and let your child choose. The aim is to enjoy being together, not to finish a set number of books.
Reviewed sources
BabyBright, on your phone too
Keep observations, routines and memories in one place. Use BabyBright in your browser or download the app for everyday moments.
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