3 Ways to Build Language Through Reading for Infants

Reading to your infant is a wonderful way to bond and stimulate their language development. Here are three simple yet effective ways to build language through reading:

1. Shared Reading:

• Point and Name: As you read, point to objects and pictures in the book and name them. This helps infants associate words with objects and images.
• Encourage Babbling: When you point and name, pause and encourage your infant to babble. This helps them practice making sounds and associating them with words.
• Repeat Sounds and Words: Repeat sounds and words that your infant makes, encouraging them to imitate and expand their language skills.

2. Interactive Reading:

• Ask Questions: Even though your infant may not be able to answer, asking questions like “What’s that?” or “Where’s the doggy?” encourages them to think and process information.
• Make Sounds and Gestures: Use exaggerated sounds and gestures to make reading more engaging and fun. This helps infants associate sounds and actions with words.
• Sing Songs and Rhymes: Singing songs and reciting rhymes helps infants learn rhythm, rhyme, and vocabulary.

3. Talk About the Book:

• Describe the Pictures: Describe the pictures in detail, using descriptive language to help infants learn new words and concepts.
• Relate to Personal Experiences: Connect the story to your infant’s own experiences. For example, if the book is about a baby eating, you can talk about your infant’s own feeding times.
• Encourage Interaction: Talk to your infant about the book, asking questions and waiting for their responses, even if it’s just babbling.

Remember: The most important thing is to make reading a fun and enjoyable experience for your infant. The more you read to them, the more they will develop their language skills.