Do you regularly take time to read aloud and tell stories with your child? Especially nowadays, when we are all rushing through our days, reading aloud is a wonderfully relaxing oasis of calm for young and old. Reading aloud means cuddling together, giving attention and, for parents, taking a short break. Even the youngest children quickly come to look forward to reading aloud. And incidentally, this feel-good time has also been proven to be invaluable for your child's mental and social development: It promotes both imagination and language development. Scientists agree that reading aloud to children can intensively promote later social and academic learning.
"Should I really be reading to my baby? He doesn't even understand me yet!" You may have already asked yourself this question. The answer is: Yes! - Scientists have proven the enormous benefits that babies from the age of three months have from being read to. Babies recognize the soothing voices of their parents and feel secure when they listen. Of course, it makes little sense to read the story of Pippi Longstocking to a one-year-old child. However, the book market offers a large selection of illustrated books made of robust material for even the youngest children.
Reading likes cozy places: In a homely place and snuggled up together, reading time becomes a wonderful relaxation time for young and old alike.
Don't get distracted: Try to create a quiet zone for reading time: without distractions from the radio, TV and cell phone.
There are many times during the day that are suitable for reading aloud. Be it in the evening before bedtime or to ring in the afternoon nap. You will see that reading aloud quickly develops into a cherished ritual. Your child will probably become more and more curious and enjoy picking up a book outside of reading aloud together.
The youngest bookworms often find it difficult to concentrate on listening for long periods of time. So keep telling stories freely and discover together what there is to see and experience in the book.
Little children like to ramble on and tell their own "stories" or ask questions in the middle of the program. That's okay and a good thing. Let yourself be taken on a journey of thought and immerse yourself in conversation with your child. At some point, you will come back to the story from the book.
Lively stories make you want more
The bear can be read grumpily, while the mouse is given a squeaky voice. Depending on the mood you want to create, you can read in a whisper or particularly loudly. You can also make faces, roll your eyes and gesticulate wildly. Try out what suits you and the story. You'll see how much fun you both have with it!
The younger your child is, the simpler the book should be. Books made of fabric, thick cardboard or even plastic are best suited for the very youngest children. The advantage of these books is that they are more robust. They can also be handled and "read" by a small child without breaking.
There are plenty of classic children's books for children aged 2 and over. In addition, "hidden object books" are very popular in this age group. These are large-format picture books without text with lots of different things to discover. Just browse through the bookstores and let yourself be inspired. Specialist retailers will also be able to give you qualified advice. Or you can get tips online on the pages of Stiftung Lesen.
Many pediatricians offer the "Lesestart 1-2-3" set from Stiftung Lesen, which is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, for U6 and U7. It contains a picture book and a brochure for parents. Information on which practices are taking part in this campaign and further tips can be found on the internet portal "Lesestart 1-2-3".
Tips for reading aloud can be found on YouTube: The short films from "Lesestart - Drei Meilensteile für das Lesen" show how you can fit reading aloud into your busy everyday life.
The website of the Reading Foundation offers lots of suggestions for reading aloud. Here you can find reading tips, regular reading recommendations and activity ideas for different age groups.
