Choosing Books for Children

Birth to 1 year of age
· Give your baby board books or soft books to look at, chew on or bang on the table.
· Look for books with big, colorful pictures. Name the objects that he sees. Say things like "See the baby!" or "Look at the puppy!"
· Look for storybooks. These allow you to snuggle with your baby on your lap and read aloud to him. He may not understand the story, but he will love to hear the sound of your voice and the rhythm of the language.

1 to 3 years of age
· Keep reading storybooks and look at picture books with your child. Read to your child every day.
· Allow your child to pick which books he wants, even if he picks the same one time and time again!
· Picture books are handy for allowing your child to "read" to you by naming objects in the book or making up a story.
· Visit your library. Let your child pick out books she finds interesting. Most children find it very exciting to get a library card. Make this moment something to celebrate.

3 to 5 years of age
· By 3 to 5 years of age, most children are just beginning to learn the alphabet — singing their ABCs, knowing the letters of their names. Read alphabet books with your child and point out letters as you read.
· Look beyond books. Point out common, everyday things like the letters on a stop sign or the logo on a favorite restaurant. Let your child read your grocery shopping list to you.
· Consider giving your child a subscription to a children's magazine. Children love getting mail, and it is something they can read as well!

Books expose children to different aspects of our world and society. As they get older and can read independently, children can “visit” other parts of the world through books. Most importantly, books open the door to reading. Here are some tips for encouraging your child to learn to read:

· Set aside time every day to read together. Many children like to have stories read to them at bedtime. This is a great way to wind down after a busy day and get ready for sleep.
· Leave books in your child's room for her to enjoy on her own. Make sure her room is reading-friendly with a comfortable bed or chair, bookshelf and reading lamp.
· Read books that your child enjoys. After a while, your child may learn the words to her favorite book. When this happens, let your child complete the sentences or take turns reciting the words.
· Do not drill your child on letters, numbers, colors, shapes or words. Instead, make a game out of it and find ways to encourage your child's curiosity and interests.

· Reading books aloud is one of the best ways you can help your child learn to read. This can be fun for you, too. The more excitement you show when you read a book, the more your child will enjoy it. The most important thing to remember is to let your child set her own pace and have fun at whatever she is doing.

Once your child begins to read, have him read out loud. This can help build your child's confidence in his ability to read and help him enjoy learning new skills. Take turns reading with your child to model more advanced reading skills.

Most of all, make sure you give your child lots of praise! You are your child's first and most important teacher. The praise and support you give your child as he learns to read will help him enjoy reading and learning even more.

© Copyright 2003 American Academy of Pediatrics