Top Tips to Teach Toddlers to Read
Many parents worry about how to teach toddlers to read, often getting caught up in the mechanics instead of focusing on the joy of reading itself. Most experts agree: parents don’t need to be the primary teachers of how to read. In fact, trying to formally teach reading at home can sometimes lead to frustration, causing children to resist later reading lessons at school.
What’s far more impactful, according to literacy experts, is that parents nurture a love for reading and help kids understand why we read. Reading is a way to explore new worlds, learn exciting things, and have fun! But how does this look in practice? What are the best ways to inspire your toddler to love reading?
Show Them That Reading Is Part of Your Family’s World
If you want to inspire a love of reading in your toddler, let them see you reading, too – and not just on your smartphone! Young children learn by watching and imitating, so if they see you reaching for a book or magazine to relax, they’ll understand that reading is enjoyable. Keep books around the house to show that they’re as essential as food and playtime.
Reading to them as often as you can is just as important. Even before they’re able to read words, toddlers can begin to understand concepts like how pages turn, that pictures correspond to words, and that a book’s title is right there on the cover. The books in the TobyBooks series make perfect additions to your toddler’s library and are designed to spark curiosity and joy!
Bring Reading into Everyday Life
Try to make reading part of your daily routine, so it feels as natural as playtime. Instead of formal lessons, let reading flow into the things you’re already doing. Sing along with alphabet songs or write out the shopping list together. When you’re on the go, point out signs or labels on items they love, like their favorite cereal or even their bubble bath. This way, they start to see that words are all around them.
Hands-on activities can also make reading fun. Use modeling clay to make letters or draw letters in the sand at the beach. Daniel T. Willingham, psychology professor and author of Raising Kids Who Read, shared a game he played with his daughter where he’d write a task on a slip of paper, read it to her, and then she’d follow the instructions—like putting away her toys or setting the table. It’s a simple but effective way to blend reading with everyday life!
Read Stories with Rich Ideas
While phonics books like Dr. Seuss are essential, don’t hesitate to read books with more complex stories, too. When you read to children, they can understand richer content than they might be able to read alone. This helps build their listening skills and keeps reading engaging.
Try talking with your child about what might happen next in a story to keep their minds active and curious. For example, in one of the Toby and Friends books from TobyBooks.com, you can pause and ask your child what they think Toby might do next. When you read with enthusiasm, your child will feel that energy, too.
Above all, enjoy the journey. Helping your toddler discover the joy of reading is one of the greatest gifts you can give. Happy reading!
