One of the best activities you can do with your baby to develop their language skills is to visit your local library. Your local library usually has library activities for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. So be sure to check them out!
How to develop a love for reading especially in boys
There are a few things over the years that I believe have helped to foster a love for reading in my first born. My first born is 12 and an avid reader. He will read 2-3 books per week and devours the newspaper and is constantly going through books that he has in his personal library.
- Start young with your children and read to them from birth
- Let your children see you reading BOOKS (not just your mobile phone – this is incredibly important for when they start school in this digital age)
- Have a special “Book Time” on a mat or in their cot – tell your baby this is book time. They can look at books themselves for 5-10 minutes.
- Make it short sweet and frequent – that is finish before your child requests more. This is very important for developing listening skills. Mum decides how long the activity is and Mum decides when it finishes. Of course as your child gets older this does change! (Believe me it does – says she with the big age gap)
- Read developmentally appropriate books so fundamental phonemic awareness skills are developed.
- Ask your librarian they are a WEALTH of knowledge.
- Celebrate books every birthday – always be watching for the latest interest with your little one and but some books!
What skills are being developed by visiting the library?
There are a number of skills that are being developed when babies listen to language, hear stories and participate in singing and rhyme.
- Building a strong bond with parent or caregiver as they feel love and happiness – this is a big deal at this age and helps your baby to fee secure.
- Learning nursery rhymes and hearing rhyme is a pre cursor to a great reader.
- Children are developing a phonemic awareness skills (even at this your age)
- Listening to stories helps to develop language and vocabulary
Baby Rhyme Time Library Program
Check your local library to see if they run Baby Rhyme Time. This program is usually for newborns to 2 year olds. These sessions are often interactive and stimulating allowing your baby to enjoy nursery rhymes, action songs. If not for baby this is a great opportunity to meet other Mums!
Better Beginnings Library Program
This is a fantastic free resource that can provide variety and stimulation for your little one! These packs are put together by the literacy experts – our librarians who are passionate about reading and literacy of our young ones. These packs save you time selecting books that you think are age appropriate.
Librarians know what rhymes to introduce at each stage of early development. So next time you are at the library ask if they have these packs and enjoy them!
Starskills Club 40 Weeks Early Learning Program – weekly activities for your baby, toddler & preschooler
I developed a simple Early Learning Program that has a weekly books suggestion, weekly vocabulary video and weekly worksheet and cards.
Join my Starskills Club & you will find details on the inside.
