Toddlers

Toddlers are active and love learning through play. Books and reading are fun! Share books with toddlers by reading the text and talking about the pictures and stories.

  • Toddlers will hold books and turn pages
  • Toddlers can pay attention to a story; as they grow so will their attention span
  • Do not worry if you do not read the entire book or skip pages
  • Toddlers love reading the same book over and over again
  • Toddlers can recite favorite stories and rhymes from memory
  • Older toddlers will begin to pretend to read and pretend to write

Look for books that tell simple stories or books that rhyme. Silly books, animal books, and bed time books are very popular. Books that have flaps and interactive elements are also good choices.

Reading and Activities

  • Read every day!
  • Create a "print rich" environment by providing a variety of books for your toddler
  • Bring books to read on the bus, in the car, and everywhere you go
  • Encourage your toddler when they pretend to write or pretend to read
  • When reading, pause to ask questions and discuss the book together
  • Attend a Storytime

Try This:

Read Noisy Nora by Rosemary Wells. Gather items that can be used to make sounds. Have the child(ren) predict what kind of sound will be made with the various items. Stress the use of sound words like boom, bang, tap, etc.

Book Suggestions

Toddlers

These picture books open up the world for youngsters asking lots of “why” questions and learning their letters and numbers.

Visit the library often and be sure to ask your librarian for more suggestions.

To read more about early literacy and infants: