Reading is a big part of our family culture. From me and my husband, to our children, reading is something we do often. And, as I have mentioned before, we start reading with our children from birth. But in these early days, our babies are really passive participants in the process. They may sit on our laps and listen, or be near us as we read, but their actual engagement with the book itself may be limited. Eventually, the interest does come! And for Gus, it has finally hit, and it has hit hard!
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Montessori Tips for Reading Books with Young Toddlers
Gus cannot get enough books right now. And, I don't mean carrying them around or chewing on them. I mean really sitting and reading them. He wants to read all the books, all the time. He is staring to show favorites. He's starting to empty the bookcase as he pages through each (before tossing it across the room, because toddler.) This week it has felt like Gus has done two things, run wild and read!
To make reading a success:
To make reading a success:
- I try not to interrupt him even when things aren't quite right. If the book is upside down, if the book really isn't meant for him (like in these pictures), or even if he isn't reading it in order, I let it go. Every second he is building a love for literacy and concentration skills.
- I also always respect his choice of book, even if I'm reading the same thing over and over again. Repetition is an important part of Montessori, and that includes book choice.
- Limit book choices so he isn't completely overwhelmed in making his own decisions. We have a couple reading areas throughout the house and he has 3/4 choices in each area that I have specifically placed for him.
- I pick quality books that are interesting, beautiful, and engaging. I also try to stick to books that he is going to be successful with as he tries to read independently. Which at this point mainly means smaller board books.
At 15-months-old, some of Gus' favorite Montessori friendly books include: Dear Zoo | Farm | Creatures: Baby Animals | Birds and Colors | Edible Colors | Dressing | Up in the Sky - I see that some of these are now out of print which is too bad. But I think you can see that they are all simple, all based in reality and all beautiful!
What books does your young toddler love? Have you noticed an intense interest in reading?
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