Introducing reading to your baby at any stage, from the womb to early school age, can be a powerful way to bond and nurture their language skills. This reading guide will help you understand when and how to start, along with expert advice from Ms. Jenni Foronda, Head of Marketing & Business Development at Remote Classroom Australia. Ms. Jenni’s insights are taken from theAsianParent Community Remote Classroom session where she answered parents’ questions about raising a reader.
Reading Guide: Does Reading to Baby in the Womb Really Help?
Many parents wonder if reading to their baby while still in the womb has any real benefits. According to Ms. Foronda, the answer is a resounding yes! She explains, “Reading to your baby in the womb can help them develop their language skills and familiarity with your native language. It also helps them bond with you and feel your emotions.” Your baby can sense your mood, tone, and voice, even in the womb, which helps create a deeper connection between you two.
When to start reading to your Baby?
Parents often ask, “When should I start reading to my baby?” Ms. Foronda advises that it’s never too early. She suggests starting as soon as possible. “You don’t need a mini library to begin. Start with storybooks full of illustrations and read to your baby for about 30 minutes a day. This creates a reading routine that they will grow accustomed to.” Establishing a consistent reading routine early on is key to raising a reader.
Age-by-Age Reading Guide: What to Expect
Reading to babies at different stages calls for different approaches, as their developmental needs vary. Below is a helpful reading guide to match the right books with your child’s age:
Reading guide for kids 0-3 Months:
At this stage, babies are mainly stimulated by the sound of your voice and high-contrast images. Ms. Foronda emphasizes the importance of reading aloud even when your baby is a newborn or still in the womb, helping them become familiar with your tone and rhythm.
Reading guide for kids 4-6 Months:
During this time, babies begin to see more colors and details. They enjoy books with bright images and textures they can touch and feel. Rhyming books or those with animal sounds work well as they develop auditory skills.
Reading guide for kids 6-9 Months:
As babies get more curious about their surroundings, books with more complex patterns and interactive features like flaps or textures become ideal. Books that allow them to touch and explore help sustain their interest, Ms. Foronda notes, “Interactive books are not only for younger babies; they can still be enjoyed by toddlers too.”
Reading guide for kids 9-12 Months:
Babies start to connect words with images during this stage. Ms. Foronda suggests, “Choose books that reflect your baby’s interests, like animals or vehicles. This makes reading more engaging for them.” Encouraging your baby to point to pictures or repeat words strengthens their language development.
Image from Freepik
Reading to toddlers: Keeping it fun and engaging
By the time your child is a toddler, you may notice that they become pickier with their books. As one mom from the forum asked, “My little one doesn’t seem interested in some books but loves others. Why is that?” According to Ms. Foronda, this is completely normal: “Their mood, age, or preference can affect their interest in certain books. Stick to characters or themes they love to boost their reading interest.”
For toddlers, it’s important to keep reading sessions interactive. Ms. Foronda advises, “Choose books with plenty of illustrations and fewer words for children aged 3 to 5. Engage them by asking questions or letting them turn the pages to keep them involved in the story.” Toddlers are naturally curious and have short attention spans, so make the experience enjoyable rather than a chore.
Phonics and reading for preschoolers
By the time your child reaches preschool age, introducing phonics becomes an important part of their reading development. Phonics helps children break down words into sounds, making reading easier and more accurate. One parent asked how to teach phonics, and Ms. Foronda responded, “Phonics helps children read quickly and accurately. Instead of memorizing whole words, they break them down, like ‘e-l-e-p-h-a-n-t,’ and read each sound.” This method builds essential skills in language, reading comprehension, and curiosity about the world.
What if my child loses interest in reading?
Sometimes, even with the best efforts, your little one may not seem interested in reading. One concerned parent asked what to do if her child lost interest. Ms. Foronda’s advice: “Make reading fun by using real objects from the book and showing them to your child. You can also read books about themes that interest them, like superheroes or animals.” Engaging with the child and making the experience interactive can reignite their love for reading.
Final thoughts
Reading to your baby is an essential part of their early learning and development. Starting early and making it a fun, engaging experience can foster a lifelong love for books. Whether you’re reading to your child in the womb or choosing interactive books for your toddler, following this age-by-age reading guide can help you raise a reader, as per Ms. Foronda’s expert advice.
Remember, it’s not just about the words on the page—it’s about the connection you build with your child during story time that makes all the difference.
If you’re looking for online resources with digital books to read to your child, you can check here.
