From Dr. Suess to Peter Rabbit, there are many options to choose from for children’s books, but which ones are the most beneficial for toddlers to read?
In a recent blog posted by ASHA, parents can find tips and strategies for purchasing the best and most effective children’s books for their toddlers. The blog, written by speech-language pathologist, Kimberly Scanlon, says the best books are ones that are tactile and movable. In other words, books that have bumpy, scratchy, fuzzy or rough pages that the child can touch and feel. Board books are always good options as well so the pages cannot be torn or ripped. The content of the book should be simple and easily understood, with short repetitive sentences or phrases.
Scanlon also goes on to explain that toddlers love to read about what they know. Pick books that revolve around animals, toys, or mommy and daddy, with simple pictures that go along with the story. Often times books that make sounds or light up act as a distraction to the child, hindering them from being able to follow along with the story. Varying the pitch and intonation of your voice and using fun facial expressions also is beneficial to the child.
Some of our speech-language pathologists’ favorite books for toddlers include Barnyard Dance by Sandra Boynton, and Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? and other books written by Eric Carle.
Click here to read the entire blog post.