Tips For Reading To Your Toddler (How To Read With Your Kids)

Special thanks to Incredibundles for sponsoring and inspiring today’s discussion.

Point out colors of items. An example would be “Look at that red car!” versus saying “Look at the car!” It’s also something that requires training but definitely becomes second nature after awhile.

Try to point out objects (especially ones that encourage the use of new vocabulary) G always points to certain things because she knows them, but I like to show her new objects and words too, so I let her show me what she wants, then I try to show her a new thing on the page with a new word!

*The tips below are for older kiddos, but so helpful when reading to pre-school aged/kindergarten aged kids!

Ask questions when you’re reading to kids older than 3 or 4. Asking questions while you read is definitely important for older children. Some will be super into it and some won’t – it depends on your child, but it doesn’t hurt to try and cultivate conversation about the story!

Ask OPEN-ENDED questions. An example of this is “why do you think the boy doesn’t want to go to bed?” versus, “Did the boy go to bed?” Basically, open-ended questions allow for elaborate answers, and not just yes or now answers. Those don’t allow for critical thinking or imagination.

After you’re finished reading, ask your child about the story. Ask them to recall the information by inquiring about their favorite part of the story. You can share your favorite part afterwards, then maybe discuss a few things you may have learned if it was a longer story with a plot, etc. Basiclaly any extra conversation about it leads to them really processing and understanding the story!

Note: When reading with kids, every single story doesn’t have to be a “lesson” these are just tips for when you are reading with purpose! It’s important to encourage them to like reading so let them sit with the book independently too! It’s all about balance!

Like I said earlier, the books we’re reading in this post are from a super cute little gift package from Incredibundles.com! There are so many little packages you can get for new or expecting parents. They come pre-wrapped with a card and everything so they are ready to be gifted or opened upon arrival!

It’s basically a super chic and easy way to not have to go put together your own package. Incredibundles does it for you! In this post we are feature the “Baby’s First Books” bundle, but they also have diaper bundles, bath bundles, sleep bundles, and my personal favorite: organic bundles!

These are great gift options for grandparents/aunts/uncles to give as gifts and an amazing way to welcome the new baby into the world!