There are many ways to read with babies and toddlers! Just because a child doesn’t want to sit still and read through a book doesn’t mean you shouldn’t continue to try.
“Being intentional about embedding literacy experiences in babies’ everyday routines creates joyful, loving moments in the short-term and builds critical skills in the long-term.” [Gillespie, 2019]
Shared storybook reading is an important intervention method when encouraging language development. Additionally, it is a research-based method and allows plenty of opportunities to promote development. What about when children don’t want to participate in shared storybook reading or seem to have no interest in books? There are alternatives to reading books aloud that can be put into practice and continue to place children in a language-rich environment.
In this episode, I share 3 ways to read with babies and toddlers when they aren’t interested in participating in sit-down reading activities.
Children do not have to be actively engaged in the book reading for it to encourage their language development. Communication happens anywhere, at any time, and in any situation. Follow the child’s lead. If they’re not interested in the book, try a different one. Play stories in the background during activities, or watch stories together on videos.
We want to instill a love of learning and reading in the little ones on our caseload. We have to meet them where they are and build from there.
