You know reading to children is important, and the earlier you start the better. Unfortunately, your restless toddler must have missed that memo because she will just not sit still for a story. Or he's super-interested in books - as in, taking them off the shelf and leaving them in a messy heap.
Not to worry. You can still read to them, with just a little creativity on your part.
Not to worry. You can still read to them, with just a little creativity on your part.
Let them wander. You start a nice story with a content toddler in your lap. That lasts for, oh, one page - tops. Then she wants to get down and play with her truck. Keep reading. Sure, it may feel a little ridiculous, as if you're reading to yourself, or maybe good old Teddy there in the corner, but just because she's not looking at the pictures doesn't mean she isn't listening.
Get books that can stand up to a toddler. Few things can turn a child off to books quicker than an adult hovering over them shouting, "Careful with the pages! Don't rip it!" So pick sturdy books to leave out in an accessible, ones that can withstand a toddler's not-so-delicate page-turning. Let them carry it around, build blocks on it, whatever. Save the paper pages for a couple of years in the future or when you're both looking at the book together!
Get books that can stand up to a toddler. Few things can turn a child off to books quicker than an adult hovering over them shouting, "Careful with the pages! Don't rip it!" So pick sturdy books to leave out in an accessible, ones that can withstand a toddler's not-so-delicate page-turning. Let them carry it around, build blocks on it, whatever. Save the paper pages for a couple of years in the future or when you're both looking at the book together!
Make it interactive. The books with flaps to open or textures to feel are much more interesting than mere illustrations, at least from a 2-year-old's point of view. (I love the Dogs and Cats books - few words, rhyming, and lots of things to touch and play with!)
Skip the story. To a toddler, even the shortest story can seem as long as the 7th Harry Potter book - and no where near as exciting. So make up your own words, or just look through the pictures. What is the doggie doing? What sound does the doggie make? Ask questions. See where the story leads when you go beyond the words of the author.
Catch them when they're tired. Even the most restless toddler has to take a break at some point. Maybe right before bed or naptime is that "sweet spot" where you can squeeze in a quick story.
Skip the story. To a toddler, even the shortest story can seem as long as the 7th Harry Potter book - and no where near as exciting. So make up your own words, or just look through the pictures. What is the doggie doing? What sound does the doggie make? Ask questions. See where the story leads when you go beyond the words of the author.
Catch them when they're tired. Even the most restless toddler has to take a break at some point. Maybe right before bed or naptime is that "sweet spot" where you can squeeze in a quick story.
The important thing is not to force it. Make books fun, not a chore for either of you. The goal is to associate reading with good things, like cuddling with mama and hearing a fun story.
How do you make reading more interesting for your toddler?
How do you make reading more interesting for your toddler?
