Babies learn new skills every day. Here’s what to look out for when you read to them.
Reading readiness is a crucial aspect of early childhood development, encompassing a range of skills and experiences that lay the foundation for future academic success. Reading is not only for understanding, but also unlocks new worlds of stories, adventures full of imagination and knowledge for children.
Find expert tips, must-read books and local resources to help your child get hooked on reading.
Children are naturally curious and eager to learn about their surroundings. They imitate adults and learn about reading by watching and hearing other people read. The best way to engage them is to read stories to them. They can find repeating the same book to be most enjoyable, especially when it is about familiar experiences.
Look out for these reading milestones:
Infancy:
- Directs attention to a person or object
- Tastes or reaches for books
- Makes sounds or pats books
- Learns that sounds communicate meaning
Toddlers:
- Holds and turns pages
- Pretends to read books
- Points to and names familiar pictures
- Identifies books by the picture on the cover
Preschool
- Describes characters and events in the book
- Takes turns telling and retelling stories
- Understands that letters make up words
- Draws pictures to tell a story
- Asks questions
Children learn a lot about reading from everyday experiences. It is important to keep in mind that they develop at their own pace and may spend longer time at some stages than others. Supporting children at this early age is essential for instilling a love for learning and later academic success.
This piece is a part of the L.A. Times parent reading guide, A guide to early learning: What to know for reading readiness. Find expert tips, book recommendations and local resources meant to help parents of kids under 5 incorporate reading into a child’s daily life.
