Reading to Your Tiniest Turkeys

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When my daughter was born, we spent a lot of time snuggled up with a book, me (or my husband) reading peacefully and her “listening” calmly.

DSCN3785
We thought it would always be like this.

Then she started toddling. And reading with toddlers can be tricky.

For us at least, reading has changed. Most of the time, we have about two seconds of snuggling, reading, and listening. Then there is usually a fight over the book, someone running away, and, more often than I’d like, a page or two torn.

But we’re not giving up! As a librarian, I know the research points to the importance of reading to your children from an early age, and, as a big fan of reading myself, I want to pass along that love to my kids – even though they don’t really love it right now.

So, here are my recommendations for persevering through reading with toddlers (until they get to chapter books, and the fun really starts).

Get Some Advice

Ask your friends what their kids like at the moment, or ask experienced moms what were their surefire toddler attention-grabbers. Don’t neglect the classics, and also ask your public librarian about new releases for toddlers. Jim Trelease’s The Read-Aloud Handbook is a great resource for book ideas and for ways to work reading into your regular routine.

Be an Example

Read yourself. Let them see you doing it. Pick a time when they’re playing quietly and less likely to interrupt you, or opt for something like a magazine where it’s not as big a deal as if they interrupted you in the middle of Gone Girl.

Let Them Take the Lead

If they want to read the same book over-and-over again, go for it. Or, if they turn down one of your favorites, don’t be snooty about it. (A lesson I have to keep learning!) Suggest reading as often as you like, but don’t force it if they’re not into it. Also, if they’re fine listening but just want to run around while you read, that’s okay, too. Basically, the goal when they’re very small is to connect reading with happy feelings. As they get older and learn to sit quietly, they’ll start picking up on the other important stuff, too. Consistency and a good attitude from you will go a long way.

Tie It In

If there’s something going on in your life like a vacation, school, or new baby, read books related to that. And, of course, read seasonally.

Here are a few favorite Thanksgiving picks from my little turkeys:

FWMB_BearBear Says Thanks
I think we got this one for free in a fast food drive-thru, but they love it–especially when we do the voices for all the animals.

FWMB_Fall
Fall

Touch-and-feel board book. We have all four seasons, and my almost three-year-old still likes them.

FWMB_George
Happy Thanksgiving, Curious George

In our house, you can’t go wrong with George.

FWMB_Tomie
My First Thanksgiving

It isn’t either of our girls’ first Thanksgivings, but we still love Tomie DePaola’s “first” holiday books. They’re simple, lovely, and non-tearable.

FWMB_Spot

Spot’s Thanksgiving
Like Curious George, Spot–on any adventure–is a sure win with my two.

 

 

What success have you had reading to toddlers? Any Thanksgiving books to recommend?

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Tiffany
Tiffany is an Alabama expat who has been married to Jason since 2005 and has called Fort Worth home since 2007. They welcomed Catherine in 2012 and Nina in 2013. Tiffany recently retired after 10 years of librarian life to focus full-time on doctoral work at the University of North Texas and part-time on health and fitness coaching. In her spare (ha!) time, she enjoys blogging at tiffanynorris.com, tweeting (@mrsmcbookworm), podcasting (OnTheGo.fm), watching sports (Roll Tide!), and walking with Fred, their Bichon Frise. You will rarely find her without a cup of coffee, and she is a big believer in the one-minute dance party.

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