How to Read to Your Child: 2-3 Years 

Reading to your child is one of the most important things you can do as a parent.  

Helen Ezell and Laura Justice, authors of Shared Storybook Reading publications, said, “reading books with young children is one of the single most important things that adults can do to ensure children’s timely development of oral language and emergent literacy skills, both of which are necessary for success in school and, ultimately, in life.”  

 

Reading not only builds a child’s language abilities, it helps create a strong bond between parent and child. We have compiled a list of helpful strategies to guide you creating meaningful moments while reading with your child.  

 

  1.  Choose books with meaningful themes 

  1.  Don’t read every word on the page 

  1. Don’t force your child to sit on your lap when reading books – instead, sit face to face so your child can engage with you during this activity  

  1. Use an animated voice and make a variety of interesting sound effects – your goal is to become the most interesting thing in the room  

  1. Reduce distractions in the room  

  1. Keep a small basket of books in different rooms of the house  

  1. Choose developmentally appropriate books 

  1. Interactive books that have large flaps or touch and feel pages 

  1. Colorful illustrations 

  1. Books about the child’s favorite topics  

  1. Easy to follow patterns (rhyming, repetitive lines, etc.) 

  1. Books about situations/feelings common to 2 and 3 year olds  

  1. Avoid asking too many questions 

  1. Read to your child every day....even if he or she doesn’t seem interested (this is how your child will learn that books are part of your daily routine) 

 

Comment to tell us your child’s favorite book! Find below a list of our favorites to read to the littles that visit our clinic! 

 

ProActive’s Favorite Reads: 

  • Oh No, Poo Poo!/Oh no, Pee Pee! by Jennie Bjorem 

  • Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees 

  • The Pout Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen 

  • Where’s Spot? by Eric Hill 

  • Don’t Push the Button by Bill Cotter 

  • Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell 

  • Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle 

  • Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems 

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Suzie Johannes