So far, we’ve talked about the importance of reading and literacy development in babies and toddlers. These are important pieces of information to keep in mind as we move into our next topic of choosing books to read based on child development. If you’re following along in my Guide for Reading with Babies and Toddlers, you can find the information under the section “Choosing Books for Babies and Toddlers“. There is also a checklist at the back of the guide that will come in handy as well!
A quick google search of “best book for babies” or “toddler vocabulary books” brings a long list of what’s ‘best’ and which books you should be reading to your little ones. It can get overwhelming really easily. But, my friend- don’t let it! Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing books for the early language learners in your world.
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Basic Vocabulary Development
Vocabulary Development: The ultimate goal with reading to our babies and toddlers is to increase their language and vocabulary development. The good news is that all books encourage vocabulary growth and development. When considering this population (early language learners) you are going to want to choose books with minimal backgrounds and simple wording. Think Brown Bear or my First 100 Words; Brown Bear presents with white background, black bold writing, and bold pictures; My First 100 words divides items into categories and distinguishes each item by a color block and bold writing. are often This format is much easier for developing eyes to focus and helps little ones match word to object and printed word to object. Sometimes books with “busy” backgrounds (i.e. seek and find books) are more distracting or difficult to focus; which may result in babies or toddlers not wanting to engage with the books.
If you’re looking for books for 0-3 months babies or toddlers with visual impairment, use high-contrast books. High contrast books can achieve the same goal of basic vocabulary development but are specially designed for those with visual difficulties.
Engaging and Interactive
Interactive books are books that promote curiosity and increase engagement. Books encouraging engagement and interactions are ideal for this population. These are books like like Noisy Farm and See Touch Feel .. series, Never Touch a… series. These books promote interactions through inviting colors and different textures. Additionally, the “noisy” series provides audible examples of vocabulary items (trucks, animals, etc.).
As language development continues and attention to tasks begins to increase, you can introduce your little ones to books with simple storylines. These are also often books associated with new tasks or situations (going to the potty, or emotions). These simple storybooks help young children begin to understand the world around them through simple story grammar.
Child Development
And finally, when it comes to choosing books for babies and toddlers- the most important consideration is a knowledge of child developmental level along with their likes/favored characters [preferences]. Incorporating their personal preferences into book choices will help engage their interest in books and be more apt to sustain or grow their attention to task (within their development). Understanding a little’s developmental level is very important because their abilities should be used as a guide to determine which books are best suited for them developmentally. In other words, which books will meet them where they are but continue to encourage their development.
This is also another reason to keep developmental literacy skills in mind.
