Childhood Reading

Topic:

Parenting

The Florida Department of Health believes that being able to read, write, and understand numbers is key to maintaining good health and reducing health disparities.

Why is Early Reading Important?

Early literacy helps a child’s success in school.
The more language development a child has before school, the more likely they are to do well later.

Why Should I Read to My Infant or Toddler?

Reading with your baby is a great way to spend time together.
Hearing words often helps your baby get familiar with them.
Talking to your child helps them learn to speak and understand words.
Pointing to objects in books and naming them builds your child’s vocabulary, setting them up for school success.

How to Choose Books for Your Children:

For infants:
- Choose books that are brightly colored and made of materials like cardboard, cloth, or plastic (because babies tend to put things in their mouths).
For toddlers:
- Look for books with lots of pictures and sounds or textures.
- Toddlers love to explore, and interactive books help engage them.
For preschoolers:
- Let your child help choose books that interest them.
- Pay attention to what they talk about or ask questions about to find books they’ll enjoy.
For independent readers: Find books that are not too hard for your child so they can enjoy reading without frustration.

Getting Your Child More Involved in Reading:

Set aside regular reading time, like reading at bedtime or on weekend mornings.
Create a quiet reading space where your child can read, draw, or write.
Keep books nearby so your child can grab them anytime.
Limit distractions by turning off the TV during reading time.
Take books with you when you leave home to keep your child entertained.
Lead by example—if your child sees you reading, they are more likely to want to read too.

Where to Find More Resources: