Parents, Teachers & Caregivers
Books, Babies & Toddlers
When to Share Books
- Begin when your child is born.
- Set aside a special time each day, such as nap time or bedtime.
- Take advantage of "waiting" times to share books such as on trips or at the doctor's office.
- Visit the library and attend My First Storytimes. Librarians share songs, rhymes and games with newborns to 24- month-olds and their parents or caregivers. Programs last approximately 20 minutes. Songs, rhymes and games for babies are shared.
How to Share Books
- Find a comfortable place to sit.
- Turn off other distractions -- television, radio or stereo.
- Hold the book so your child can see the page clearly.
- Read with expression.
- Vary the pace of your reading -- slow or fast.
- Involve your toddler by having him or her point out objects, talk about the pictures
- Repeat common words.
- Let your toddler select books to read.
- Reread your child's favorite books whenever asked.
- Recite or sing rhymes from your favorite books.
- Check the list Books, Babies and Toddlers on the Parents section of the Library League site. This gives suggestions about how to use books at various ages.
Library Services for Young Children
- Visit the library to select books. Libraries have books for children of all ages.
- Get a library card for your child.
- Ask your librarian for more tips about sharing books with your baby, toddler or preschooler.
- Libraries have storytimes for newborns to 5-year-olds. Books, puppets, songs and finger plays are shared.
- All of these activities prepare children for learning to read.
New and Old Favorites to Read to Babies
A Tulsa City-County Library Web Site
