Story Time Should Be Fun

Obviously the television-age is here to stay. Having Disney Channel, Cartoon Network, etc. combined with all those wonderful learning videos from Leap Frog, Blues Clues, Barney, etc., how can our children not be glued to the television screens? And it is easy to leave them watching for hours and hours just so mommy, daddy & "yaya" can get that 'moment of peace' each day. Teaching children to read and showing them stacks of flash cards need time and energy (Baby Can Read video has even actually place this activity on to a television screen). But one thing a child will miss is the feel of flipping those pages and the memories of mom and dad making their reading experience fun. Teaching your child to love reading is a process that can start long before they know their alphabets. Here are some ways that can grow and develop the love for reading.

Choosing Books

1. Look for books with large clear, bright, colorful, realistic pictures or illustrations.
2. Avoid elaborate or too artisticly illustrated books as these type of illustrations can be too abstract and too sophisticated for your baby and/or toddler.
3. Select books where the text is short and simple. Kids love rhyming books. For some reason the rhythm appeals to them.

Never Give-up!

1. At times babies or toddlers squirm when being read to and you will feel that your baby or toddler is not interested. Don't give-up, just keep setting aside that story time and it will pay off.
2. There are times your baby and/or toddler would try to flip the pages on there own - help them and do not stop them from doing so even if you are not done reading that page. You can always go back to it when they are ready to listen again. And if they accidentally tore off the page, don't get frustrated (you can  tape it back together or if it is her favorite book get another copy).
3. Set aside time for story time. This can be when they just woke up in the morning or just before they get ready for bed time. (If your child sleeps in the afternoons, make it a story time too).
4. Babies and toddlers love to be cuddle. Cuddle them or let them sit on your lap during reading time.
5. Never force your baby and/or toddler to pay attention to your reading. They may find reading time less pleasurable in the future. Just stop and try again another time or the next day.

Bring out the CREATIVITY in you

1. You are not obligated to read the book word per word. You have the creative license to enhance the content of the book like...
   • make sound effects where you see fit in the story 
   • using words that your toddler understands
   • if your toddler seems to be not interested at the words focus on the illustrations
2. Experiment on different expressive reading styles and use them. No one likes listening to a monotone. 

Interactive Reading

1. There are lots of children's books now that are interactive. They have pop-ups, pull tabs, fold outs, some pictures can even be taken out of the page and place back in. This helps highlight the characters or elements of each page. This will help keep your toddler's attention during story time. But of course your child will need to learn to appreciate regular books and you can make it interactive by pointing out various characters, objects and illustrations (Where is the cow?). When  children reach the toddler's age they can even point it out themselves or answer such question when they become more verbal.
2. Hand puppets are fun! If you find a hand puppet that fits the character of the book don't hesitate to get it. Having the hand puppet talk while you read out to them makes them feel like watching a puppet show. Alternately you can use socks and make your own hand puppet too.

Read it Again and Again

Children love hearing the same stories over and over and over again. This may drive you to the wall at times but just remember how incredibly happy your little one will feel after.

Set a Good Example

1. When your little one sees their parent read, they tend to copy you. At times you will find that they want to read the books you are reading and you just tell them "this is mommy's book". You should try reading a page out of your book to them. They may not understand, but if you use the creativity  and interactive reading tips, you may be surprised that your child will actually listen.
2. Having reading materials around the house also helps. Keep books or magazines beside your bed or on your coffee table.

   
Start a Little Library

Start creating your little child's library. A mini shelf is ideal, but if you don't have the space, keeping the books in a basket or a plastic organizer/container should work. The key is these books should be easily accessible by your child. For babies who start crawling and exploring their space, you can prepare some colorful and bright cloth books for them to grab. As they grow, you can mix some hard bound books to give them a feel of real books. Make sure to have a variety of books that will interest them as they grow.

Having your child hold up a book to you and say "Mommy, story time please" (as they struggle with that S and Z in 'please') and jumps in bed with you so happy and excited is the ultimate satisfaction a parent will forever keep and say to yourself - "I think I have done something right."

Photos: “Drawing Hope” by Shawn Van Daele
Source: Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel, What to Expect the toddler years, p. 93 - 94