Reading is the best way to boost a toddler’s language skills. There is no right or wrong time to raise a child who loves to read. The secret to doing this successfully is to keep reading a fun and relaxing activity for your toddler. Here are some tips to help you guide your toddler to become a reader.

Read Aloud

Read out loud to your toddler every day. Studies show that the earlier parents read to their children, the better their language and literacy skills develop. Encourage your toddler to sound out words and to read a sentence as you continue the story. Reading to and with your toddler makes him feel a part of the learning process which makes the story more interactive, and when a child becomes involved and thinks beyond the plot, he will learn to love reading. This activity not only exposes him to books but also serve as a cozy bonding moment with your little one.

Make It A Part of His Daily Routine

Reading has a way of calming people, which is why the bedtime story is a well-loved tradition. But, there are a lot of daily events that also provide good reading opportunities. For instance, you can read a book over breakfast, during bath time, while he is using the potty, after he wakes up from his nap or during his playtime.

Choose Books That Will Interest Your Toddler

Another effective tip to raise a reader is to provide your toddler books that will interest him. Generally, toddlers love board books, pop-up books, rhyming books, fairytales and books with big and bright pictures. Furthermore, expose him to different kinds of reading materials. If your toddler is interested in cars or if he loves to swim, give him graphic novels, magazines, audio books or reference books about cars and swimming.

Create A Comfortable Reading Space

A reading-friendly atmosphere is very important. Create a space where your little one can read comfortably without being disrupted by the TV, his toys and other people. You can place a beanbag, rocking chair or a couch and a good reading lamp close to a bookshelf in a corner.

Visit Libraries and Bookstores

Make a weekly or monthly trip to the library or to a bookstore and let your toddler pick out books he wants to read. He will love being surrounded with shelves and shelves of books and since he is free to choose the books he likes, he is more encouraged to read.

Talk About It

Do not hold a question and answer session about the story of the book. Ask questions that will make your toddler think beyond the plot. For instance, ask him “Which character would you like to befriend?” or “If you were the author, how would you have ended the book?”. Or, you can try relating events in your family to the story you and your little one just read. Encourage him to ask you questions as well.

Repeat

Children love consistency. Hence, the reason why they want to hear the same story over and over. Once your toddler hears the book repeated a lot, he is able to memorize his favorite words and phrases and point out things in the book he has not noticed before which increases his reading readiness.

Read Yourself

Your toddler loves imitating you. If he sees books around the house and sees you pick up a book, curl up on the sofa during your down time, he will learn that books are essential to daily life. Showing your own love of reading is the most powerful tool to encourage your toddler to read.

Raising your toddler to be a reader is probably one of the best things you can instil in your child. Books are food for the soul, and it is with reading that one’s mind can explore and travel infinitely without spending a cent.