Not every new parent knows how important it is to read to their child. You can help parents engage in this foundation-building activity by providing gentle encouragement. For example:
Let them know if their child enjoys one of the books that you read aloud, and offer to lend the book to them for bedtime reading.
Parents for whom English is a second language might appreciate a picture book that allows them to “read” a story and point out pictures in their home language.
Suggest that the parents bring a child’s favorite book from home that can be read to help them feel connected to the classroom to help their child feel at home.
Check out Zero to Three’s article, How to Introduce Toddlers and Babies to Books, a parenting article that details research-based tips on how to share books “to maximize the joy and learning of book-reading and to nurture a lifelong love of books.”
Watch Vroom’s Fun with Stories video that shares tips on how to make story time engaging, fun, and meaningful.
