Literacy for Infants

It is never too early to start reading with your child. Children who are read to at a young age have better language development and a larger vocabulary when they enter school. Children who are read to at a young age also have a greater desire to want to learn to read themselves. 

Tips for Sharing Books with Babies

1. Pick a time when you and your child are in a good mood, ready to enjoy each other. Try to pick a time when your child is quietly alert, not too tired and not too active.
2. Point to the pictures and talk in your most natural and cheerful voice. Watch what your child points to or looks at and talk about those pictures.
3. Talk and have fun. If your baby likes to be held, snuggle up and read a book together.
4. Watch what your baby does. Babies like to play with books. That means they like to chew on them, throw them down and play with them like a toy. That is how children get to know books at this age. It's natural. If your baby just wants to play with the book, that's fine. Try reading it together later.
5. Read with your baby EVERY DAY! Read every day, even if it's just for a few minutes. If your baby gets upset or cranky, stop for a while.

Remember is to have fun and keep it positive!

Source: Every Child Ready to Read Workshop sponsored 
by the American Library Association.