Out of all the vital things your toddler learns by age 2, reading is one necessary skill that he or she must develop. Right from writing, identifying things to reading; you must make it a point that all the necessary skills are instilled in your toddler.
However, many parents find themselves at loss of ideas when it comes to teaching the child how to read. At this stage, it's not necessary for all kids to have a clear speech. They may say a few of the words very clearly while some they just babble. Even if they are babbling, ensure that you guide them to speak the word or letter in the right manner. Here let us explore some ways by which you can help your little one develop reading skills. Have a look:
Be Consistent with Reading out to your child
Teaching the child how to read must begin at an early stage. Introduce him or her to some new words that are easy to pronounce and are often used in the everyday life. Your child will be in a better state to grab the words when you read out to them. And this should be a consistent practice from your end. Fix a time taking into count when your toddler is likely to pay more attention, and read out some nice story books. Make sure that you don't read out complex sentences, read the simplest and the shortest of sentences.
Read out Effectively, Focus on Voice Modulation
When you read out to your child, ensure you do it with full excitement. Focus on your voice modulation and express everything precisely. Your enthusiasm will keep your child attentive and he or she will pay heed to what is being read out.
Select the right kind of book
A one year child mostly relates to illustrative books and hardly pays attention to what's read out. Most of his focus remains on the colorful pictures as shown in the book. This can't be same for your 2 year old, to teach him you will have to look for other book types. Opt for rhyming books, children's song books, short story books etc. Don't read anything that's complicated as your child is yet not familiar with all the words.
Always ask questions related to what you read out
Asking questions while you read out to your child is one great way of connecting him or her with the book. Also, it helps the child learn some new words and things. So when you read out a story book, ask questions like 'Can you see the cat on the table?', 'What is the color of the tree' etc.
Repetition is the best practice
Don't think your child will retain all what you read out. It's a process that will have to be repeated frequently. Make him repeat the words or letters till he excels in saying that.
Set Yourself as the good example
Your child may be fascinated with the books but this fascination will soon vanish when you fail in providing the reading environment at home. So even if you aren't an ardent reader, try setting a good reading ambience at home. Read a magazine, any cookbook, a novel, anything and make sure your child watches you reading. Seeing you, the child will also make an effort to read.
Never force things on them
You will have to be extremely calm when helping your child with reading. He or she may not be able to gasp the words or read with fluency at this stage. Keep things very simple and let your child read as per his comfort.
If you can follow these tips, you will surely be able to help your child develop the reading skills with brilliance!