How can I make the most of my toddler's love of books?

Question

My son is almost 2 and loves books. He has free access to about 20 baby/toddler books when he is at home, and often looks through them, carries them around as he plays or requests to be read to. I don't really give him library books as he is still occasionally destructive (usually accidental, I think normal for his age).

Because both parents work full time and we live a generally busy life, I don't have as much time as I would wish to read to him and encourage his love of books. I do spend at least a few minutes a day reading to him, usually re-reading one of his favorites for the hundredth time.

What are some creative (and/or proven) ways to nurture his interest and love of books, and make the most of his limited reading time-- both academically and just in terms of making things fun?

Answer 1

I think you are doing the right things. Reading to a child is just about the best way there is, and making it a daily thing is important for a child. Wanting the same thing read for the 100th time is also very common. In time he will want more variety.

(Side note: the book "Thud" by Terry Pratchett has the Chief of Police make an iron rule that he will, come rain, shine or tentacular monstrosity, be home at 6pm to read "Where's My Cow" to his toddler son).

Answer 2

I think what you are doing is right now is right. I would also recommend you supplement your child's reading with audio books.

I loved books as a kid too, but my working parents didn't have enough time to read to me. I'm dating myself, but my parents gave me just a ton of stories on tape. I learned on to use the cassette player and I used to listen to the stories before bed or when I couldn't sleep. It was nice because I had stories in Mandarin and English which helped me stay bilingual.

Answer 3

Read to them often and keep the I interest going to the point they can read alone. My daughter had read 100s of books by the time she was 7 years old. As a kid I don't think I read 5 books through middle school. It makes a huge difference!!