Reading can begin during pregnancy! Last week we wrote about the benefits of starting to read to baby before birth! The best part of this new routine is that you can give yourself a moment each day to put up your feet, relax, and begin your trip back in time as you remember your favorite books from childhood. During my pregnancy I also enjoyed collecting and reading books that I learned to enjoy as an adult teacher. I was blessed to have some amazing mentors as a young teacher of infants and toddlers. It was their love for literature that helped me expand my repertoire of books and techniques for reading.
What to look for when selecting books for your baby:
1. Beautiful Illustrations: You will be more likely to enjoy reading these if the art work is appealing. This is important because you will be looking at these pictures at least a bazillion times once baby is here. Babies love to review information and have a high tolerance for repetition. Most adults do not. Pregnancy is a perfect time to hone this skill!
2. Simple Text: Complex dialog is not necessary for newborns and very young infants. Labeling items and actions is perfect for introducing language concepts. One object or idea per page is great! A concept such as "Hug baby" or "See puppy" works well.
3. Just Pictures: Some books leave the dialog to your imagination. The pictures usually tell the story...but there is always plenty of room to add your own interpretations. When baby gets older, he or she can participate in telling the story just by looking at the illustrations. "Just pictures" offers variety and opens the door for many creative adventures. Perfect for the story telling side of your personality.
4. Props Included: Look for at least 1 or 2 books that add a special "prop" such as a puppet or another visual/tactile object attached to the book. A prop adds another dimension to your story telling time and can be fun for parent and child.
5. Songs and Rhymes: Poetry and Music are wonderful story time favorites that can ease the parental pain of repetition. Babies will love being held close as you sing a story or clap to rhyming words. Rhymes and music are perfect components to enhance brain development. Added Bonus: It's super hard to be grouchy from sleep deprivation when you are singing an upbeat song.
HAPPY READING!
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