The Basics: Read & Discuss Stories
The sixth in a series of articles on The Basics: five FUN, SIMPLE and POWERFUL ways to give your child a great start. This week’s blog is written by Melissa Sullivan, marketing communications consultant and mom of three, on behalf of The Palmetto Basics
How does your child learn to think?
It is never too early to begin reading to your child—even babies enjoy it and benefit! Reading aloud from the very beginning is one of the most important things you can do to prepare your child to do well in school. Reading and talking to your child about the story, even before they understand, builds their language skills and sparks their imagination. Reading, looking at books, or sharing stories is also a special time to snuggle up and connect. Reading together creates bonds and lasting memories for parents and children.Consistency Counts

Talk About It
Name Game Point to pictures and talk about them. Name different objects. Pay attention to the pictures your toddler likes. Describe the Pictures It’s not always important to read all – or even any – of the words. Point to the pictures and talk about the colors, shapes and what the characters are doing. Use position words to describe things (up, down, top, bottom, over, under, short, long, straight, curvy). Respond to the ways your child engages with the story. Show Your Interest When you read, make an effort to use your voice and facial expressions to show how interesting the story is to you. Using different voices can be fun. Smile, laugh, frown. Say “I want to know what happens next!” Set a Great Example If toddlers see grown ups reading and know they enjoy it, they will learn that reading is fun and important part of life. And you don’t have to read novels! Magazines and newspapers count, too! Reading turns kids into confident thinkers. Make books a regular part of your relationship from the very beginning. Talk about pictures. Make it fun! For more Read & Discuss Stories tips, visit our website.Helpful Highlight
