We began reading to our older child when she was just 10 months old. The board book we read was titled “Moo, Baa, La La La” by Sandra Boynton, and we have the entire book memorized even now. While I don’t promise that our kids will become super proficient in creative writing, the benefit is certainly that they will never come to us saying “I’m bored.” There is always a book in their hands, no matter what. She always enjoyed picture books by Indian publishers as a toddler. Now, of course, we are big fans of Enid Blyton, Sudha Murthy, the Percy Jackson series, etc. Her imagination has taken wings, and it reflects through her artistic style. While we usually think linearly and expect direct outcomes of a reading habit, we forget how it projects through different aspects. . She is able to express her thoughts and ideas through art. She has painted walls in mosaic style, made bookmarks for everyone, doodled on furniture in the house, and made motivational posters. Each of these comes with a one-liner or an inspirational message.
While our older child is expressive in her imagination, the younger one is completely opposite. He enjoys books like encyclopedias from space to tsunamis. He is curious about why things happen and loves listening to stories about Elon Musk and Akbar Birbal. He loves writing and is quite witty in talking and can connect stories to real-life situations. Whatever may be the expression, there is nothing more important than the joy of reading.
If you wish to inculcate this habit with your children, try these tips for reading to them at an early age:
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Make it a routine; for us, it has always been a bedtime routine.
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Let the child choose the books.
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Re-reading a story they love is absolutely fine.
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Get comfortable together — take them on your lap, sit next to them, or just lie down and read.
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Make sure it’s a physical book, not a gadget or device. Let them turn the pages.
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Pause and allow them to finish the sentences.
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Change the tone and voice while reading to hold their interest.
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Make it conversational — ask them what they would do in a situation or whether they feel the action taken by their character is right or wrong.
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Be mindful of their interests.
Most of all, simply enjoy!