The four parts of language—speaking, listening, reading, and writing—all rely on one another. Before your toddlers can learn to read and write, they must first learn to listen and speak.
Encouraging Your Toddler’s Words
Talk with your toddler often. Ask him questions, such as, “What do you think the bark on that tree feels like?” Then, take him to touch the tree. If he doesn’t use words yet, tell him how it feels: “It feels, bumpy, rough in some parts, and smooth in other parts. It feels hard and cool.” These conversations lay the groundwork for learning to read and write.
When your toddler learns more words, encourage her to use her words as much as possible. Repeat back to her what she says, and let her know that you value what she has to say. When you repeat what she says and explain the meaning of her words, she will have a better understanding of what her words mean, and will learn new words along the way.
For example, after swinging your toddler on a swing, she might say, “Again! Again! Again!” You can say, “You said again, again, again! That tells me you want me to swing you again! I love hearing your words!” Or, she might say, “No, hug!” You can say, “You said, no hug! That tells me that you don’t want a hug right now. That’s okay. I can hug you when you want one. Thank you for using your words to tell me!”
Toddlers often become frustrated because they don’t quite have the words they need to communicate everything they are thinking or experiencing. When your toddler is trying to tell you something, watch his arm and hand movements, his facial expressions, and where he is pointing. Be patient, and try to piece together what he is telling you. Help him by trying to attach words to the story he’s telling.
Read to Me!
It is critical to read to your toddler! Studies show that reading to your child on a daily basis is the best way to lay the groundwork for learning to read. Reading is important to all of us. We read a variety of materials—letters, store signs, employment forms, books, brochures, and more as a part of daily life. Reading everyday materials (such as grocery lists and food labels) to your toddler will show her how important reading is in life. Reading aloud also allows her to hear new words.
Your local librarian can help you find books that are perfect for you and your toddlers. Choose topics your child or children will enjoy, such as a book about a trip to grandma’s house or a book about boats. Books that repeat words or phrases many times are especially fun for toddlers (for example, “There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly” or “Five Little Monkeys”). Find children’s books that are of interest to you—it’s important that you have fun too! When you show your toddlers that reading is fun and important to you, reading will be fun and important to them.
Developing Small Hand Muscles
Give your toddler many opportunities to draw with jumbo crayons and chalk. When he is drawing, encourage him by showing an interest in what he has created. For example, tell him that you see he has used only two colors on this picture, while he used many more on another.
Or, tell him that you see lines and circles in his work. Ask him if he can draw more for you.
Let your toddler play, and don’t expect realistic shapes or pictures at this point. As his vocabulary develops, encourage him to use his words to describe his pictures. On another piece of paper, write down his words, and tape or staple them to his drawing. Read his words to him often, pointing to them as you read. Finger painting and drawing designs in sand with his fingers are also fun ways to promote writing readiness.
Another way to prepare your toddler to write is to help him develop the small muscles in his hands. Play that involves play dough, gak, simple puzzles, and toys that allow him to grab, pull, and pinch are all good ways to develop these muscles.