The learning process begins in infancy. The early years of life set the stage for later development. Studies show the importance of stimulating children. Everything that you do as a child care provider is a learning experience for a child's young mind.
Children's minds are like sponges, soaking up as much information as possible. Educators should use this time to read to their children. Hearing stories can be a very interesting experience for children. Experience with stories can build a positive attitude towards reading and learning to read. Another positive component of reading to children is the personal interaction between the teacher and the child. Educators should take time to read to each child individually.
Reading books to children increases their listening and speaking skills, letter and symbol recognition, ability to form and use more complex sentences, understand words and ideas, and develop positive attitudes towards reading (Jalango, 74). All these abilities help strengthen a child's readiness to begin school.
Educators should first instill the love of books, then an interest in learning to read will follow. Infants should be introduced to books beginning as early as birth. Babies enjoy sharing books while cuddling on a parent or provider's lap. Even though the infant cannot understand everything that is being read to her, they are learning many words that will form the basis for language later. With time, they begin to understand that words have meaning and can be used to identify objects.
The ideal books for babies age three to six months should have simple, large pictures or designs. The parent or provider can tell a story about the pictures if there are no words. This is also a good time to introduce the language of nursery rhymes. Cloth and vinyl books are especially good for this age because they are lightweight and easy for the baby to hold. Babies aged seven to nine months are beginning to develop hand skills, which enable them to try and turn the pages of books. Books with thick, stiff pages are easier for baby to turn.
Babies aged nine to 12 months begin to look at the book's content rather than its physical characteristics. They are beginning to understand, recognize and relate objects and events. Pictures which contain familiar objects and activities are likely to be favorites. Babies aged 12-18 months being to sing and they often enjoy books with songs. The actual story is beginning to be of interest. Keep the stories simple. Books should relate to events the child can easily understand.
Toddlers and older children really begin to understand and enjoy reading books. Pictures can now be packed with information and action. Storybooks intended for this age will often have a picture on every page with only a small number of words. Children will spend a lot of time looking at the pictures. Keeping the developmental stages in mind will help you to choose books for infants and children. They will enjoy the time you spend sharing a book with them.
How to Share a Book with a Young Child (Jalongo, 49-50)
1: Begin with a quality book.
2: Select a book you enjoy and one that the child will enjoy also.
3: Practice presenting and reading literature aloud.
4: Develop questioning skills.
A child should have many opportunities for learning in his or her child care program. Make reading a part of the everyday schedule. Reading books to young children will help foster the development of many concepts that are needed later when the children begin school.
REFERENCES:
Jalongo Renck, M. Young children and picture books. National Association for the Education of Young Children. 1988.
Schickedanz, J. More than ABC's: The early stages of reading and writing. National Association for the Education of Young Children.