Reading Plays an Essential Role in the Growth and Development of Children

When reading to your baby you should keep it interesting and try to read books they seem to like, as you’re reading follow along with your finger or your baby’s finger to get them involved. It’s okay when they’re ready to move on to something else, we all learn better in short sessions and once they are thinking of something else it’s counterproductive to try and keep them there, just take a break, let them play and come back to it later. Pick books that seem to interest your child or let them pick out the book they want to read, this will help keep it fun and keep them more interested in story time.

A great place to start is the baby friendly pictures and textures of the Melissa & Doug or Rosalina baby books, these soft touch baby books are great for infants and toddlers alike. They have soft flexible fabric pages with color pictures and images to help your child learn shapes, colors, animals and vehicles. They also have a large selection of other topics in this category, such as religion, clothing, counting and the alphabet, many of these books are even machine washable.

Once they are ready to venture to The Step Into Reading series, your child will have a fun and endless opportunity to educate and develop their growing mind. The series is broken down into five categories:

STEP 1: READY TO READ Preschool-Kindergarten Big type and easy words Rhyme and rhythm Picture clues For children who know the alphabet and are eager to begin reading.

STEP 2: READING WITH HELP Preschool-Grade 1 Basic vocabulary Short sentences Simple stories For children who recognize familiar words and sound out new words with help.

STEP 3: READING ON YOUR OWN Grades 1-3 Longer sentences Engaging characters Easy-to-follow plots For children who are ready to read on their own.

STEP 4: READING PARAGRAPHS

Grades 2-3 More challenging vocabulary Short paragraphs Exciting stories For newly independent readers who read simple sentences with confidence.

STEP 5: READY FOR CHAPTERS

Grades 2-4 Chapters Long paragraphs Full color art For children who want to take the plunge into chapter books, but still like colorful pictures. For more advanced readings, try the popular Magic Tree House series. With three categories to choose from you will always have a new and interesting book to read.

Merlin Missions – This series is packed with magical tales.

Magic Tree House – Great stories of history, mystery and adventure.

Research Guides – Packed with beautiful pictures and interesting information about animals, space and the earth.

Remember start reading to your child from infancy. It is never too early to snuggle up with your baby and start reading, it’s soothing to hear your voice and you’re forming a close bond. When you read to your child, you enhance emotional and social development which gives your child a good base from which to build they’re education.