The Benefits of Reading to Your Toddler
Children who are exposed to a rich language environment tend to excel academically. Reading aloud to your toddler is one of the most effective ways to immerse them in language.
Reading to toddlers helps lay the groundwork for future independent reading. Addressing reading difficulties in elementary school can be tough, but many challenges can be prevented by fostering a love for reading early, during the toddler and preschool years.
Before children can read on their own, they need to develop essential early literacy skills, such as:
- Building a large vocabulary and understanding how to use it.
- Recognizing that words are composed of smaller sounds (phonemic awareness).
- Understanding that marks on a page represent letters and words.
- Knowing the letters of the alphabet.
You don’t need specialized games or flashcards for your toddler to acquire these skills. The best way to help them learn to read independently is to read to them as often as possible.
Supporting Your Child’s Transition to Toddlerhood
Reading aloud also plays a crucial role in helping children transition from babyhood to toddlerhood. Between the ages of 1 and 3, toddlers experience both triumphs and challenges. Hearing stories about other children who face similar fears, like what’s under the bed or learning to use the potty, can be reassuring.
During this time, toddlers experience rapid vocabulary growth and learn about letters, shapes, colors, weather, animals, and seasons—knowledge that can be reinforced through books. Choose books with plenty of pictures for your child to point to and name.
While your toddler is eager to explore the world, they also need a strong connection with you. Reading together regularly can strengthen that bond, helping your toddler feel safe and secure.
When and How to Read to Your Toddler
Aim to read to your toddler often—ideally at least once a day. Establishing a routine, such as reading before naps or bedtime, helps your child learn to sit with a book and relax. However, you can read anytime your child is in the mood.
If your toddler is willing, hold them on your lap while you read. This helps them feel safe, happy, and relaxed, and shows that you’re giving them your full attention. It also encourages them to engage with the story.
Toddlers are naturally independent, so encourage this by offering them a choice of three or four books and asking them to pick one. Praise their selection, let them help turn the pages, and ask them to find things on a page. Your child will delight in finishing sentences in books with familiar or repetitive phrasing or rhymes. When you reach these parts, pause and let your child complete the phrase.
Here are some additional reading tips:
- Read whatever books your toddler requests, even if it’s the same one every night for weeks.
- Read slowly so your toddler can follow the story.
- Use expressive voices for different characters, and adjust your tone as needed.
- Choose sturdy board or cloth books that your child can handle without worry.
- Incorporate puppets, finger plays, or props during reading.
- Encourage your toddler to clap or sing along with rhythmic, sing-song books.
- Discuss the pictures, naming items and asking your child to name them with you. Praise their responses.
- Ask open-ended questions to encourage your child to think about the story and ask questions.
- Use your child’s name as a character’s name in the book.
- Most importantly, have fun! Show your child that reading is enjoyable.
Sitting Still Isn’t Required
Reading to a toddler who won’t sit still can be challenging, but don’t give up. Find a book or a few pages that capture their interest. If that doesn’t work, don’t force it—just try again later. Remember, toddlers love repetition; if your child seems uninterested, they might just need to find a favorite book to read repeatedly.
Some busy toddlers prefer to stand while you read, or they might flip through a few pages before moving on to something else. Keep the book available—your child might return to it later, which you should encourage.
It’s okay if your child doesn’t sit still for an entire book—attention spans will grow with time. You might continue reading even if your child is moving around. Before bedtime, let your child play with favorite toys while you read aloud. The sound of your voice will be a comforting reminder that books are part of the bedtime routine.
You may notice that your child stays still while coloring or playing with a favorite toy as you read. Some children might not look at you or the book, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t interested or listening.
Your goal is to create positive associations with reading. If you feel tense or if your toddler resists, consider setting the book aside and trying again later.
Additional Ways to Build Early Literacy Skills
Reading to your toddler is just one way to nurture early literacy. You can also:
- Talk to your child throughout the day.
- Sing songs, play rhyming games, and make up stories together.
- Provide paper and crayons for your child to practice writing.
Also, consider setting limits on screen time, whether it’s TV or other electronic devices.
Choosing the Right Books for Your Toddler
Toddlers love to feel included and capable, so choose books with familiar or repetitive text they can follow along with. Keep their interest by selecting books with few words on each page and topics that align with their interests.
- For younger toddlers (12–24 months): Sturdy board books with pictures (especially photos) of kids doing everyday activities are great. Books about bedtime, baths, or mealtime are good choices, as are books about greetings. Keep active hands busy with lift-the-flap pages and textures to feel.
- For older toddlers (24–36 months): As kids start turning paper pages, transition beyond board books. Choose books with repetitive text that are easy to memorize so they can «read» along. At this age, you’ll start to know your toddler’s preferences, whether it’s trains, unicorns, or animals. Books about children, families, and animals are also popular.
- Toddlers love looking at homemade books, scrapbooks, or photo albums of people they know, especially with simple captions. Poetry and songbooks are also great choices for this age group. Storytime might even turn into sing-along time.
Easy Ways to Keep Books Accessible
Toddlers love choosing and looking at books on their own. Keep books in a basket on the floor or on a low shelf where your child can easily reach them. Keep some books in the car and have a few handy in your bag for long waits at the doctor’s office or in grocery store lines.
Visit the library or bookstore and let your child pick out books to read at home. Many libraries and bookstores offer toddler storytimes that kids enjoy. And let your child see you reading for fun—it’s a great way to be a role model for your toddler’s reading habits.