How to Share Books with Your Children
12 to 14 Months Old
12 to 14 Months Can:
- Choose a favorite book to read with you
- Point to pictures in a book they want you to look at too
- Explore a book by putting it in their mouth, turning it upside down or opening/closing it. They may also explore by dropping it, listening for the sound.
- Copy your reactions to the book you are enjoying together
- Pay attention for a few minutes at a time.
You Can:
- Find a quiet, cozy place to cuddle up with a few sturdy books
- Name the pictures your baby is pointing to or looking at
- Help turn the pages following your baby’s interest
- Read w/ joy & enjoyment. Use different voices for different characters.
- Ask your child questions she can answer by pointing.
- Imitate sounds your child makes while looking at the pictures. Then add a short phrase such as: Moo, the cow says moo.
15 to 17 Months Old
15 to 17 Month Olds Can:
- Choose a favorite book to read with you
- Look at familiar pictures in the books. More their own sounds for some of the pictures.
- Point to 1 or 2 animals and make the animal’s sound
- Laugh, squeal, and point while enjoying a favorite book with you
- Pay attention to a book for a few minutes at a time
You Can:
- Find a quiet, cozy place to cuddle up with a few sturdy books
- Let your toddler choose which books to read
- Read the same book again if your child wants
- Name & say a few words about the pictures your child is looking at
- Use different voices for different characters
- Make up games while looking at pictures like: Where’s the girl’s nose? Where’s mommy’s nose? Where’s your nose?
- Name & demonstrate actions or emotions in a book such as laughing. Look at the boy laughing. Then laugh with your toddler.