how to read with your child to encourage speech and language development
Reading is one of the many important activities parents can do with their child in order to encourage language development. Here are three easy ways to make reading a fun and enjoyable experience for both you and your child.
Use different voices and gestures. When reading to your child try to bring the story to life by using different voices and gestures for each character. This will help engage your child and maintain their attention, and may also encourage them to start imitating the sounds and movements they hear and see.
Let your child participate. Give your child the opportunity to participate in the story by pointing to pictures, making animal sounds, and mimicking simple actions. This will not only keep your baby engaged, but also help to build their attention span and memory. Allow them to hold the book and turn the pages.
Choose books with bright colors, interesting textures, and easy-to-grasp handles. Babies love to touch and feel different textures, so choose books with interesting textures, such as soft fur or bumpy pages, to engage their sense of touch. Also, books with bright colors and easy-to-grasp handles will help to develop their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
Don’t focus on the words. Instead, make comments such as “a big moon” or “Look, I see doggie,” ask questions, point, and make exclamatory sounds and voices.
By incorporating these three simple strategies, you can turn reading into a fun and interactive experience for both you and your child, while also supporting their speech and language development. Happy reading!