Discover the Power of Reading Aloud to Your Toddler

This is one of my favorite quotes because it’s SO true!

As parents, we’re always juggling a lot – from school schedules, extracurriculars, daily routines, and all of the activities in between – it can be really easy to let some of the most important things fall to the wayside.

That’s why as a mom, I’ve really tried to create a priority list so that I can juggle the things that matter the most, while all of the other stuff just falls into place where it needs to.

One of those priorities in our family is actively reading aloud to our toddler as it fosters growth for your child and can help you create a bond together. 

If you’re looking for new ways to meaningfully connect with your toddler and ignite their curiosity, I encourage you to adopt the habit of reading aloud, so that your child reaps the many benefits.

The Magic of Reading Aloud With Toddlers

It’s no secret that toddlers have large imaginations and they’re always coming up with silly stories with made up characters and ideas. 

It’s really a beautiful thing when you think about it. When they do this, they’re using their creativity to captivate their mind and keep themselves entertained. 

As you grow older, you naturally start to lose that part of yourself. As a parent there is a way you can go back to those imaginative roots and join your toddler in this process!

This is the magic of reading aloud to your toddler and is important for several reasons:

⭐ Builds a Language Foundation

Toddlers are like sponges, absorbing every word, sound, and gesture around them and their early years are a critical period for language development.

As you read to your toddler, they are exposed to new words, sentence structures, and a variety of tones and emotions, which not only enriches their vocabulary but also helps them grasp the nuances of communication.

When you’re reading aloud with your toddler, it’s important to make the reading sessions engaging where you ask questions about the story and encourage them to express their own thoughts as well.

These conversations foster language skills and teach them the art of storytelling and through this playful dialogue, you not only nurture their cognitive abilities but also strengthen the bond you share!

⭐ Cultivates Curiosity and Concentration

Toddlers are naturally curious creatures, eager to explore the world around them and reading aloud introduces them to diverse subjects, cultures, and ideas, nurturing a sense of wonder and curiosity.

Whether you're diving into mysteries of the ocean or exploring a journey to outer space, each story opens a door to endless possibilities for their creative minds!

One huge benefit of reading aloud to your toddlers is that the act of listening to a story enhances their ability to concentrate and focus, which is so important in a world filled with distractions. 

As you share stories, your toddler will learn to follow the narrative, remember details, and engage with the plot, all of which lay the groundwork for their future learning.

⭐ Builds Emotional Intelligence 

Another great thing about reading your child stories is that they begin to be introduced to real life emotions, like joy, fear, sadness, and triumph through the characters they meet in books. 

Though it’s done in a way that’s child-friendly, it still helps them start to recognize and understand these feelings in themselves and those around them as well. 

This is a great opportunity for you as a parent to engage with your child and ask them questions, such as, "How do you think the character feels?" or "What would you do in that situation?"

Conversations like this can empower your toddler to develop emotional intelligence, which is a skill that will serve them well into adulthood.

⭐ Creates New Connection With Your Child

In the midst of fast-paced lives and trying to juggle everything as a parent, carving out quality time with your toddler can be a challenge.

Even when you think you’re spending time with them, so often that time is interrupted with distractions like cell phones, TV, and the constant need from others.

Committing to daily or at least weekly reading together provides an opportunity to slow down, escape from the daily hustle, and share sweet moments with your toddler at such a pivotal age.

One way to really get into this habit is by setting a designated reading time where you both know that’s when it will happen. It could be at bedtime, in the morning while they’re eating breakfast, or in the afternoon after they wake up from a nap. 

This routine can help create a safe space where your child feels valued, heard, and loved!

5 Read - Aloud Book Recommendations For Toddlers

As a mom that is committed to this routine with my toddler, I’ve found a few favorites that you can also use to get started:

📚 Llama Llama Mess, Mess, Mess – in this book, Mama Llama teaches Llama Llama a humorous lesson in cleaning up.

📚 I Wonder – in this book, young readers will follow a group of diverse kids trying to make sense of the world as they see it.

📚 Sulwe – in this stunning debut picture book, actress Lupita Nyong’o creates a whimsical and heartwarming story to inspire children to see their own unique beauty.

📚 The Pigeon Needs a Bath – in this book, The Pigeon really needs a bath! Except, the Pigeon's not so sure about that. 

📚 Hair Love – in this book, Zuri's hair has a mind of its own. It kinks, coils, and curls every which way. Zuri knows it's beautiful. When Daddy steps in to style it for an extra special occasion, he has a lot to learn. But he LOVES his Zuri, and he'll do anything to make her -- and her hair -- happy.

How To Start Consistently Reading Aloud With Your Toddler

If you’re ready to commit to a consistent reading routine with your toddler, but need some accountability, that’s exactly what our Toddler Reading Program is all about!

Through this program, you will start to nurture a love for reading in your child, boost their language skills, encourage creativity, and of course create lasting memories!

As a member of the program when new lesson plans are available you’ll receive an email. You will have an opportunity to access the detailed lesson plans, activities, and more to make your reading routine as seamless as possible!

CLICK HERE to learn more and secure your spot in the Toddler Reading Program. 🌞❤️