How to Help - You Are Your Child's First Teacher

Babies need to be nurtured in language-rich environments. Here's what you can do:

• Read to your child from birth. It is never too soon to start.
  
  Get your baby an ABC Library card! Visit your neighborhood library to borrow books and participate in programs.
• Share board books with your child. These sturdy books can withstand a licking (and a chewing!)
• Let your baby set the pace of your reading time. Encourage your baby to touch and help turn the pages.
• Sometimes your baby won't be in the mood for reading. Try again later.

Your baby loves to hear your voice. Besides reading, talk to your baby at meal times, in the bath, and during playtime. Share Mother Goose rhymes with your baby. They are short, fun and help develop language skills.

• Sing to your baby. Share beloved songs from your childhood or discover new favorites online or at BPL.
• Read and talk with your child in the language you know best.

Reading Milestones »

Illustrations © copyright 2001 by Marla Frazee from EVERYWHERE BABIES by Susan Meyers. Reproduced by permission of Harcourt, Inc.