Reading to a child

From 3 to 5 years old, your child understands more complex stories. It can, for example, include a story structured around a problem and a solution. He again starts to carry an appeal in composing speech. In addition to helping him develop his speech and preparing him for reading and writing, books allow him to spend quality time with you. Also Read: V Words for kids

What type of book to choose?

Do not hesitate to offer a variety of books to your child: storybooks adapted to his age, thematic books related to his fields of interest, books with stunning illustrations, gamebooks, books animated, which let the noise of a character or a multicolored butterfly “come out,” for example. All these books allow him to learn, but also to have fun!

However, it is essential to respect your child’s preferences. At this age, he knows better than before what he likes and dislikes “reading.”

How do you develop your interest in reading?

• Agree to read the same book often if that’s the one your child chooses. It’s normal for a toddler to want the exact text often. This secures him and allows him to understand the story with each new reading better.
• Borrow books regularly from the library or swap books with friends. Thus, your child will always have access to new readers, and he can develop his interest in different themes or types of books. Still, keep watching his favorite books with him as much as he wants.
• Set up a small reading corner in your child’s living room or bedroom to make him want to look at books often. Make sure he can pick up his books on his own. The nook can include throwing pillows and blankets to create a fun and soothing reading environment.
• Read books and magazines yourself for your enjoyment. You are thus sending the message that reading is pleasant and allows you to learn things. You are also the ideal person to transmit the taste for reading to your child because you are his model.

The benefits of reading for your child

• Reading promotes interactions between you and your child and promotes your attachment.
• Presented early, the book becomes a source of amusement and pleasure. It is associated with a moment of well-being and sharing with you. If the first contact is made at school, the context is very different since the child must learn to read. Reading becomes a task because he does not consider that books and pleasure go naturally together.
  

  How to read a text to a toddler

  • Offer your child thematic books directly related to his fields of interest, for example, books on the farm, the forest, pirates, animals, or dinosaurs.
  • Please read the entire text because it allows your child to discover a varied vocabulary. However, do not hesitate to explain difficult words to him and to reformulate more simply specific passages that your toddler does not seem to have understood.
  • Take short breaks during the reading to talk about what is not written in the text: the characters’ emotions, the problem to be solved, the goal of the main character, etc. You can also ask your child questions about certain aspects of the story.
  • Look at the cover page with your child and try to guess what the book is about. Tell your toddler to be inspired by the title and illustrations.
  • Draw your little one’s attention to a funny word in the text by following it with their finger or the letter, for example, the first of their first name. This helps your child understand that words are formed by the letters of the alphabet.
  • After the reading is finished, invite your toddler to create an alternate ending or imagine what happens after the story ends. It’s a great way to feed his imagination and open up new horizons. It also encourages her to tell a story in her own words.
  • Make connections between the story and your child’s daily life, when the story lends itself to it, to make the information in the book more concrete. For example, if you’re reading a book about insects, you can remind him of the insects you’ve seen together before.
  • Please register your child at the library so that he discovers the pleasure of choosing his books. Take the opportunity to attend “story time” presented by your library. Your toddler might enjoy listening to stories with a group of children.