Reading with your child 12-17 months

How to Share Books with Your Children

12 to 14 Months Old

                12 to 14 Months Can:

1. Choose a favorite book to read with you
2. Point to pictures in a book they want you to look at too
3. 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.
4. Copy your reactions to the book you are enjoying together
5. Pay attention for a few minutes at a time.

You Can:

1. Find a quiet, cozy place to cuddle up with a few sturdy books
2. Name the pictures your baby is pointing to or looking at
3. Help turn the pages following your baby’s interest
4. Read w/ joy & enjoyment. Use different voices for different characters.
5. Ask your child questions she can answer by pointing.
6. 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:

1. Choose a favorite book to read with you
2. Look at familiar pictures in the books. More their own sounds for some of the pictures.
3. Point to 1 or 2 animals and make the animal’s sound
4. Laugh, squeal, and point while enjoying a favorite book with you
5. Pay attention to a book for a few minutes at a time

You Can:

1. Find a quiet, cozy place to cuddle up with a few sturdy books
2. Let your toddler choose which books to read
3. Read the same book again if your child wants
4. Name & say a few words about the pictures your child is looking at
5. Use different voices for different characters
6. Make up games while looking at pictures like: Where’s the girl’s nose? Where’s mommy’s nose? Where’s your nose?
7. Name & demonstrate actions or emotions in a book such as laughing. Look at the boy laughing. Then laugh with your toddler.