Reading is the best gift that a child can receive. Parents can facilitate their boy's literary interest by reading to him in the early phases of life. Incorporating reading consistently into everyday life exposes him to language and reinforces the importance of reading.
Read Aloud Routine
Babies should be read to from day one – literally. Bringing a book or two to the hospital to read aloud exposes the baby to early reading. There is time to be acquainted, why not spend it reading Green Eggs and Ham? by Dr. Seuss [Random House, 1960]. Babies love the soft melodious sound of their parent’s voices. Reading is rhythmic and soothing and exposes them to a variety interesting language.
Continuing to read to children daily is important. According to an American Academy of Pediatrics study “…daily reading routines are important for a child’s early literacy development.”
The National Children's Reading Foundation recommends reading at least 20 minutes a day to babies through the toddler years. It really does not matter what is read as long as the child is engaged – the paper, a magazine, the grocery list. As they grow and their activity level increases, it is appropriate to look for colorful interesting books that are sturdy and can withstand firm grips and curious mouths.
Children love simple rhymes and stories that have interesting word rhythms. Some examples of early reading books:
- Mama Loves You by Caroline Stutson [Cartwheel, 2005]
- The Berenstain’s B Book by Stan Berenstain and Jan Berenstain [Bright & Early Books, 1971]
- Hand Hand Fingers Thumb by Al Perkins [Bright & Early Books, 1969]
Fostering Reading Habits
Consistently incorporating reading into nap and night time rituals is a good way to ensure the child is exposed to reading daily. A comfortable place to read with pillows, blankets, and a favorite stuffed friend or pet make for a welcomed spot to read. As children begin to talk, leaving words off the ends of sentences gives them the opportunity to display their skills. It is surprising how quickly children will insert the correct word that has left out of a story.
As boys begin to develop their taste for a favorite book, it is important for the narrator to be patient, as they will likely want to hear it read again and again. By inserting funny words or his name into the story, or by adding a new book into the standard line up, a stale repertoire can be refreshed.
Visiting the library and choosing books that are topical to match the changing season or approaching holiday can also provide variety to the reading routine at no cost. While visiting the library, be sure to check out their story hour programs. Many libraries offer story time for babies as well as toddlers that include singing or age appropriate theatre or crafts.
As he develops, it is important to choose books that have themes that interest him as well as some that he might not have considered. The local librarian or customer service associate at the bookstore is a great resource for ideas about books appropriate a boy’s age and interests.
Introducing boys to the magic of reading and cultivating a love for books takes some commitment but the doors that are opened with an interest in reading are limitless.
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