How to Read Books to Your Toddler to Grow Their Language Skills (10 Tips from a Speech Therapist)

As a parent you probably know that you NEED to read to your child, but do you know HOW to read to your child?

If it doesn’t come that easily to you, we understand!

Luckily, as a baby-toddler speech therapist, I’ve picked up a few tips over the years to make reading a little easier and fun for you and your little one!

You don’t have to read every word on the page to build your toddler’s language. In fact, you don’t have to read ANY of the words on the page!

Here are my top tips for building language with books:

1. Read face-to-face.

   • This helps your little one see your mouth, facial expressions, and gestures to help them imitate you and associate a meaning to words.

2. Point to and name the things you see on the page.

   • “Look at the pretty flower!” “I see the sun!”

3. Talk about the pictures.

   • “Baby is eating. Yum yum yum.” “Oh no! He fell down!”

4. Add on to what your child says.

   • If your child says, “Flower” you can say, “Wow, a pretty flower!”

5. Use simple language.

   • Use single words, short phrases, and simple sentences to talk about what is happening and what you see on the page.

6. Focus on more functional words instead of trying to read every word on the page.

   • “Baby RUNS fast!” “Baby wants MOMMY!”

7. Use an animated voice and facial expressions.

   • Use a sing-song voice and fun, exaggerated facial expressions.

8. Use sound effects and exclamatory words and phrases.

   • “The cow says... moo!” “Beep beep!” “Uh oh!”

9. Pause to give your child an opportunity to fill in the blank.

   • “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, what do you see? I see a ... “

10. Use meaningful gestures and body movements.

    • Point, clap, wave, and add movement to bring the book to life!

Finally, have fun and have realistic expectations!

If these tips were helpful, join the newsletter to get doable tips and encouragement delivered right to your inbox!