Baby Tips
- Start sharing books early; even newborns benefit from being read to.
- Hold and cuddle your baby when you read—during feeding is a perfect time!
- Let your baby control the book—hold it, turn the pages, even chew on it!
- Babies love looking at pictures of other babies—talking about pictures is reading too!
Toddler Tips
- Use books to help set routines—naptime, bath time, bedtime.
- Short and frequent story times are just as valuable as lengthy times.
- Active toddlers don't always like to sit still for stories—that is ok! Read aloud while they are moving around and playing with other things. They are still paying attention!
- Let toddlers choose the books they want to read.
- Be willing to read the same books over and over again.
Preschool Tips
- Use lots of expression when you read to your children—it helps them get excited about the story.
- Encourage preschoolers to "read" their favorite books to their younger siblings.
- Let your child see others in the family reading.
- Explore a variety of books, including nonfiction books with lots of pictures to appeal to your preschooler.
- At the library, allow children to choose their own books.
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The Racing to Read statewide literacy program is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the Missouri State Library.