The three most frequently
asked questions to the NCBLA are:
1.
What is the
best thing I can do to help my child be ready for school?
2.
What are the
best books to read aloud to my child?
3.
When should I
start reading aloud to my child?
The answers, in order, are:
1.
The best thing
you can do to prepare your child for school is to create a language enriched
home—talk and sing to your baby, toddler, and preschooler; turn off the screens
in your home, look at each other and have family conversations at mealtimes, on
the beach, in the car, in the grocery story, at athletic events and activities;
take your young children to parks, playgrounds, and museums and talk with them
about the experience; and of great importance, read books aloud with your baby,
toddler, and preschooler. After you have read the book, talk to your child
about the story and pictures. Try to find time to read to your child every day!
2.
The best books
to read aloud to your young child are ones that are age and personality
appropriate, that build on your child’s interests and expand his or her universe.
The children’s librarian at your local neighborhood library will be thrilled to
help you find the right books for your child. And below we provide several
links to great lists of age appropriate books for your baby, toddler, and
preschooler.
3.
When should
you start reading books aloud to your child? The day he or she is born! And
don’t stop reading aloud when your child
becomes an independent reader—“big kids” still love to have Mom and Dad
take the time to read to them, too!
NCBLA Parent/Guardian
Handbook: http://www.thencbla.org/PTMpages/parents/parenthandbook.html
Websites that provide
great read-aloud tips for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers and websites with
great book suggestions for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers:
