Handout: TIPS ON READING WITH YOUR BABY

Books should be a part of your baby's daily world. They should be easy to reach and should be found among the other things in the playpen and toy box. Babies love rhymes, songs, cuddles, tickles, and face-making. When you combine this fun with books, your baby will grow to love books, and will soon be reading to you!

1. Select board books with simple pictures.

• Solid colours, or black and white are easy for babies to see.
• Clear simple drawings are best.
• Board books are best for babies: they are easy to hold, the pages are easy to turn and the corners are rounded

2. Begin to read as soon as possible.

• The bed time story is a marvelous daily routine
• Babies will begin to associate your voice with books and reading
• Books are a wonderful means to build vocabulary.

3. Let your baby touch the books.

• When your baby grabs the book it means that your baby is interested!
• Show your baby how to turn the pages. Point out familiar things in the pictures. E.g.:"Do you see the cat?" There is the cat!"

4. Make reading a performance.

• Move in time to the rhythm. Don't be shy to sing. Your baby loves your voice!
• Change your voice, whisper, or make sounds at the right moment in the story.
• Tickle or cuddle your baby at the right moment.

5. Nursery rhymes are a favourite.

• Repetition and the sing-song rhythm keep babies interested.
• Nursery rhymes are easy to remember. Your baby will grow up to repeat them.

 6. Visit your local library.

• Borrow different books to see which ones are most interesting to your baby.
• When your baby gets older, join the Parents and Tots reading program at the library. If they do not have one, speak to the librarian about starting your own Reading Circle!

HAVE FUN READING WITH YOUR BABY!