{"id":660,"date":"2022-11-11T21:01:11","date_gmt":"2022-11-11T21:01:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/litblog.wpengine.com\/?p=660"},"modified":"2023-12-18T14:43:51","modified_gmt":"2023-12-18T14:43:51","slug":"how-to-teach-your-baby-to-listen-to-an-entire-book","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/literati.com\/reading-levels-parent-guide\/early-reading\/how-to-teach-your-baby-to-listen-to-an-entire-book\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Teach Your Baby to Listen to an Entire Book"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As parents ourselves, we know how hard it is to try to read a squirming, curious baby a book, nevermind make it through a whole one. And between lots of loads of little laundry, battling the barrage of bottles in the sink, and sneaking some time in for a shower yourself (why does that somehow feel like a luxury?), it\u2019s hard to even find the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But if you can<\/em> teach your baby to listen to an entire book (or most of it), you\u2019ll be introducing them to a host of new things that they\u2019ll need to help their brains develop\u2014and for learning important building blocks of language, communication, and writing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And remember, it\u2019s okay to start with baby steps! It will take time\u2014it\u2019s not instinctive for a child to know they should listen to a book cover to cover. We get to teach them the wonders of reading by making storytime interesting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some tried-and-true ways you can begin to encourage your baby to listen to a book all the way through:<\/p>\n\n\n

Talk about things on the pages<\/b>\r\n
\r\nPoint out animals, shapes, colors, or maybe even a character that looks like Grandpa\u2014any little detail can engage them and help them learn new things.<\/p><\/div>\n\n

Make sounds, voices, or sing songs as you read<\/b>\r\n
\r\nEach character can have a different voice, or repeated phrases can be made into fun songs. You\u2019ll make storytime memorable and enjoyable.\u00a0<\/p><\/div>\n\n

Let toddlers turn the pages<\/b>\r\n
\r\nYes, we know the struggle. But<\/i>, if you let them do this, it enhances their interest, and feeling \u201cpart\u201d of the reading experience will encourage them to listen and discover other books as well!<\/p><\/div>\n\n

Show them the words and the direction you\u2019re reading them<\/b>\r\n
\r\nSince reading is not instinctive, you can show little ones how it works by running your finger beneath the words as you read them. <\/p><\/div>\n\n

Show them the cover<\/b>\r\n
\r\nRead the title, author, illustrator, and talk about the cover art to entice them. You can even try asking questions to older babies and toddlers: what might this book be about? Do you like the colors?<\/p><\/div>\n\n

Relate characters, animals, or items in the pictures to real life<\/b>\r\n
\r\nDoes that bespectacled badger look like Uncle Joe? Maybe the reliable rabbit reminds you of a kind friend or neighbor. Make these connections to add another level of engagement!<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n

The right books for the job<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To help support you, we asked our expert curators to provide a list of their favorite books for helping babies and toddlers listen to a whole story. Here they are!<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\n \"Book\n <\/div>\n
\n

Sheep in a Jeep<\/h3>\n \n

By Nancy E. Shaw<\/p>\n \n

\n This lively, funny tale is perfect for reading aloud and engaging little ones. With rambunctious sheep rollicking and bouncing about on a mission in a jeep, you\u2019ll get to repeat silly rhymes, talk about farm animals, and probably elicit more than a few giggles!\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

\n
\n \"Book\n <\/div>\n
\n

Goodnight ABCs<\/h3>\n \n

By Erin Guendelsberger<\/p>\n \n

\n With an evergreen message of love, adorable animal illustrations, and heartwarming rhymes, this sweet bedtime story is perfect for reading together before bed. Tuck your little one in for the night with this board book that helps babies and toddlers understand bedtime routines with each letter of the alphabet.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

\n
\n \"Book\n <\/div>\n
\n

Don\u2019t Push the Button!<\/h3>\n \n

By Bill Cotter<\/p>\n \n

\n A great read-aloud, interactive picture book that kids will go back to time and again. There’s only one rule in monster Larry\u2019s book: don’t push the button. (Seriously, don’t even think about it!) Even if it does look kind of nice, you must never push the button. Who knows what would happen? Celebrate curiosity and storytime fun with this silly monster book.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
\n \"Book\n <\/div>\n
\n

Where is Bear?<\/h3>\n \n

By Lesl\u00e9a Newman<\/p>\n \n

\n You and your little reader can join the search for Bear in this sweet padded board book! The animals in the forest are playing hide-and-seek, and everyone is found\u2014except for the biggest creature of all! Where, oh where, could Bear have gone? One thing is certain: his loyal friends will do whatever it takes to find him (and you\u2019ll have fun searching right along with them)!\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u2026And they read happily ever after<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We hope these tips and book recommendations help you to make storytime even more fun and meaningful\u2014and perhaps a little bit longer over time. And if you aren\u2019t able to make it all the way through a book with your baby, know that that\u2019s okay! Even just a few dedicated minutes of reading can help your child become interested in books and pave the way for a lifetime of learning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Literati makes it easy to find the best books for your baby with our book clubs designed for every age and reading level. You\u2019ll teach your baby to listen to books cover to cover in no time!

Discover our Dreamer<\/a> or Seeker Level book boxes<\/a>, for babies and toddlers from 0-2 years old.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\n \n \n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

As parents ourselves, we know how hard it is to try to read a squirming, curious baby a book, nevermind make it through a whole one. 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