AuntyB and Grandmama

Toddlers and Photos — in Books and in Your Home

AuntyB: Children need an understanding of the real world before they are able to abstract into fantasy books or the world of animation. Be sure to provide a wide selection of books illustrated with real-life photos.

Additionally, family photos in unbreakable plastic coverings and wood frames should be a part of the young child's play environment.

• Hang these family pictures at the child's eye level.
• 8 by 10 inch photos are the best size so that the child can really see who is in the photo.
• When your toddler touches the photo, you have a chance to say, "That's Grandpa. He is at home in Houston." Lots of language develops this way. Also, the child will recognize long distance relatives when them come to visit.
• Update these photos on a regular basis, placing the retired pictures into an album for your toddler's use.

AuntyB Hint: Copies of snapshots may be made into satisfactory 8 by 10's at your local copy shop for as little as 99 cents.

Reading With Dad — Reading as a Part of Toddler's Night-time Transition to Sleep

AuntyB: A half or quarter hour, either after supper or before sleep, is a great together time with Dad. Instead of romping and having a boisterous exciting tumble on the floor, use this as a quiet-down time to read.

Dad gets to sit in his easy chair and relax while holding his toddler who is full from supper, tired from the day and in need of a relaxed, loving time before sleep.

Dad's deeper voice quietly reading helps the youngster to nestle down and just to be with his favorite  guy. Quiet talk resulting from the book helps the parent/child relationship to grow. It also reinforces the idea that reading is pleasurable and desirable.

Just writing of it brings a peace to me.

Grandmama: While lots of fun for Dad, the excitement of roughhousing does not tire a child out. It actually keys them up, making it harder for them to get to sleep. Save it for earlier in the day during an active play period.

I don't ever remember our Dad reading to me like that. But, I do, even now, hear his deep, low voice as he sat on the edge of my bed, telling me some of the events of his earlier life.

Never underestimate the power of your interest, Dad, in the life of your toddler. It lasts a lifetime.

Reading with Toddlers: Create the Moment

AuntyB: An environment that richly provides for your toddler's development doesn't come by accident. You can create a separate reading area for your toddler in a quiet corner.

Place a small softly cushioned toddler chair in the corner with a basket of six books nest to it. Your toddler will engage when ready, independently. Sitting and looking at books will become a part of their routine. Also, having a child-sized comfy chair in the living room makes the child a part of the family unit. It is great to be together with each person engaged in reading in his or her own comfortable spot. Toddlers move toward independence all of the time. There are times to sit together and times to be together while sitting apart.

Making Reading a Special Time for You and Your Toddler:

Infant through Toddler Reading Plan

My toddler goes through a stack of books scattering them everywhere until the one wanted is found!

AuntyB: In addition to the toy shelf and a work area in the toddler's playroom, a separate reading spot is a must. But, it helps if you start at the beginning.

One idea that works, while babies are in arms, is a small rug on the floor with a clear plastic-sleeved shoe storage rack is hung on the wall over the rug. Each shoe pocket accommodates one board book.

Having a routine of sitting down on the rug and reading to your child either before or after lunch everyday begins a love for reading and learning.

The baby sits in your lap. As you hold the child and read, your arms and hands become an extension of the child's. They learn how to hold a book and turn pages by the way you do it. Soon, the baby will crawl to the rug for this special time with you and point to a favorite book.

As the baby matures into toddlerhood,