RAISING A BOOK BABY

From the day of their birth, babies are developing skills that they will need to be successful in school and in life. The more words a child hears by age two, the larger his vocabulary will grow. So, the more you talk and read to your child, the more vocabulary words he can absorb.

Ayden, age 2 enjoys finger rhymes.

The Crown Point Community Library offers a story time event designed especially for our youngest patrons. "Book Babies" is for babies from birth to 30 months. All children participate with a parent or adult caregiver. The story time lasts approximately twenty minutes and includes age appropriate stories, finger rhymes, and songs. Class size is limited to ten children.

The single most important way for children to develop the knowledge they need to become successful readers is for you to read aloud to them often, beginning when they are babies.

Although babies don't understand the story that you read, reading together gives them the chance to learn about language. You don't have to be an excellent reader for your child to enjoy reading aloud together. The experience of being with you and enjoying the sound of your voice helps your baby develop a lifelong love of reading.

Here are a few tips on how to read to your baby:

• Pick a quiet time, such as just before you put your baby to bed. Read with the baby in your lap or snuggled next to you, so that he feels close and safe.


• At first, read for no more than a few minutes at a time. Make reading a quiet and comfortable time that your child looks forward to.
  
• Say or read to your child nursery rhymes or other verses that have strong rhythms and repeated patterns of sound. Vary your tone of voice, make funny faces, and sing lullabies. Play games like "peek-a-boo" and "patty-cake."
  
• Give your baby sturdy board books to look at, touch, and hold.
  
• Talk to your baby often. Answer their coos and gurgles. Repeat the sounds and smile back.


• Play simple talking and touching games with your baby. Ask, "where's your nose?" Then touch baby's nose and say playfully, "there's your nose!" Do this several times; then switch to an ear or tummy.
  
• Point to and name familiar objects. By hearing something named over and over, your baby learns to connect the word with its meaning. For example, "here's your blanket, your very favorite blanket. It is a nice, soft blanket."


• Show your children that you read, too. Don't worry if you feel uncomfortable with your own reading ability. It's the reading that counts. When your children see that reading is important to you, it will be important to them.
  
• Visit the library often. Crown Point and Winfield libraries issue cards to infants. Check out board books, nursery rhymes, and videos. Sign up for the story time programs at the library.

What should I read?

When choosing books for your baby, look for:

• Bright and familiar pictures
  
• Words and features that invite participation (touch and feel and pop-up books)
  
• Rhythms and rhymes
  
• Sturdy pages made of cardboard, plastic, or washable cloth
  
• Books that are the right size and shape for your infant to handle

For more suggestions, visit the Youth Services department at the Crown Point Library or Winfield Branch Library.

Kyan, age 1, sits on grandma's lap while listening to Miss Denise tell a story about snow.

February Book Babies Story Time Events:

At the Crown Point Library:

Wednesdays, February 9, 16 & 23 at 9:30 a.m.

Thursdays, February 10, 17, & 24 at 11:15 a.m.

Fridays, February 11, 18, & 25 at 9:30 a.m.

At the Winfield Branch Library:

Mondays, February 8, 15, & 22 at 10:30 a.m.

To sign up for a story time event, please register at the library the event will take place or online at www.lakenetnwi.net/member/crownpointlibrary/ or call the Crown Point Library at 663-0270 or the Winfield Branch Library at 662-4039.