Beyond the ABCs: Promoting Literacy Development in 23 Month Old Toddlers
As parents, we have all heard about the importance of teaching our children the ABCs from a young age. While mastering the alphabet is certainly a crucial step in literacy development, there is so much more that can be done to support our children’s language and reading skills at this early stage. In fact, research has shown that promoting literacy development in 23 month old toddlers can have a significant impact on their future academic success. In this blog post, we will explore various strategies and activities that parents can use to go beyond the ABCs and foster a love for reading and learning in their 23 month old toddlers.
1. Read to Your Child Every Day
The most important thing a parent can do to promote literacy development in their 23 month old toddler is to read to them every day. Reading aloud to children has countless benefits, including expanding their vocabulary, improving their listening skills, and stimulating their imagination. Even at this young age, toddlers are able to learn new words and concepts from books. Make reading a part of your daily routine, whether it’s before naptime, bedtime, or any other time that works for you and your child. Choose books that are appropriate for their age and interests, and don’t be afraid to read the same book multiple times. Repetition is key in helping toddlers learn new words and concepts.
2. Talk, Talk, Talk
In addition to reading, talking to your child is also crucial in promoting literacy development. Engage in conversations with your toddler throughout the day, whether it’s about their favorite toys, what they see outside, or what they did at daycare. This will not only increase their vocabulary, but also help them learn sentence structure and grammar. Ask open-ended questions and encourage them to express themselves. This will help them develop their language skills and build their confidence in communicating.
3. Play with Letters and Sounds
While the ABCs may seem like a daunting task for a 23 month old toddler, there are ways to make learning letters and sounds fun and engaging. Incorporate letter and sound recognition into everyday activities by pointing out letters on signs, labels, and packaging. You can also sing the alphabet song with your child and encourage them to join in. Playing with letter blocks and puzzles can also be a great way to introduce letters and their sounds to your toddler.
4. Use Rhymes and Songs
Beyond the ABCs: Promoting Literacy Development in 23 Month Old Toddlers
Rhymes and songs are not only fun for toddlers, but they also help with language development and phonemic awareness. Nursery rhymes, fingerplays, and action songs are all great ways to introduce your child to the sounds and rhythms of language. Encourage your child to join in and repeat the words or actions, and soon they will be able to recite the rhymes and songs on their own.
5. Make Reading Interactive
At 23 months old, toddlers have a short attention span and may not be able to sit still for a long period of time. To keep them engaged during reading time, make it interactive. Point to pictures and ask your child to name objects or animals. Pause and ask questions about the story or characters. Let your child turn the pages and even act out the story with puppets or toys. This will not only make reading more enjoyable, but also help with comprehension and critical thinking skills.
6. Create a Print-Rich Environment
Surrounding your toddler with print can also promote literacy development. Label common objects in your home with their names, such as “chair” or “table.” Point out words and letters in books, magazines, and packaging. You can also create a print-rich environment by hanging up posters or pictures with words and letters. This will help your child make connections between spoken and written language.
7. Read a Variety of Books
While it’s important to expose your child to age-appropriate books, don’t be afraid to mix it up and read a variety of genres. From fiction to non-fiction, from picture books to chapter books, exposing your child to different types of books will help expand their interests and knowledge. Take trips to the library and let your child choose books that they are interested in. This will help instill a love for reading in your child and make them excited to learn.
8. Be a Role Model
As with any aspect of parenting, being a role model is key. If your child sees you reading and enjoying books, they will be more likely to develop a love for reading themselves. Set aside time to read for yourself and let your child see you doing so. Talk to them about what you’re reading and why you enjoy it. This will not only promote literacy development, but also strengthen the bond between you and your child.
In conclusion, promoting literacy development in 23 month old toddlers goes beyond just teaching them the ABCs. Reading, talking, playing, and creating a print-rich environment are all important strategies that parents can use to help their child develop strong language and reading skills. By incorporating these activities into your daily routine and being a positive role model, you can set your child up for future academic success and a lifelong love for learning.