If you’ve ever found yourself in a battle of wills with a toddler who’d rather play than read, you’re not alone. Many parents face the challenge of engaging their little ones in story time. If story time at your house looks like your child trying to wrestle the book out of your hands, or your little one jumping up out of your lap to run laps immediately after your start a book with them, then this blog post is for you! We’ve got some creative tips to turn those moments when your toddler is happily confined into delightful opportunities for learning and bonding.
Bath Time Adventures:
Bath time is a magical moment for toddlers, filled with splashes and giggles. It’s also a perfect time to introduce them to the world of stories. While your little one enjoys their bath, grab a captivating book and let the enchanting illustrations steal the show. You don’t necessarily have to read the words; instead, focus on discussing the images. The soothing ambiance of the bath combined with the excitement of bath playtime can create the ideal setting for your toddler to be captivated by the story.
High Chair Tales:
Another golden opportunity arises during mealtime. Transform this routine activity into an interactive storytelling session. Sit across from your child in their high chair and engage them in a book by looking at and talking about the illustrations. Again, there’s no need to read every word. Some children might not be entirely “happily confined” in their high chairs (especially if there are feeding difficulties or a motor delay), so this is a YMMV strategy. If you’ve found yourself in a never ending, no-win power struggle with your child over their food intake, introducing story time might just be the secret ingredient to turn things around. Sharing a story can replace stress with joy and promote shared attention and bonding.
Emphasizing Playful Learning:
The essence of these storytelling sessions isn’t to recite every word, but rather to relish the pictures and create learning opportunities through play. Engage your child by pointing out and naming various objects in the illustrations, building their vocabulary. For instance, if there’s a balloon, make it pop as you say “pop!” Do this several times so they are hearing the word, “pop,” over and over again. If there are 3 little bears sitting in chairs, instead of counting each bear, point to each one and say “bear!” Remember, toddlers learn and remember with repetition, so get creative to ensure they hear each word multiple times.
Interactive Exploration:
Encourage a playful search for specific items within the illustrations, turning story time into an interactive adventure. Think of it as a delightful game of “I Spy!” This not only makes the experience engaging but also sharpens their receptive language skills, making it easier for them to follow simple directions.
Let’s transform story time from a struggle into a cherished bonding experience between you and your little one. If you’re on the lookout for delightful toddler books, pay a visit to our store and embark on a happy shopping journey. Happy reading and happy bonding!