Your little one is more likely to communicate with you about something that interests them. When you follow their lead and use words to describe what they’re interested in you will help them to connect and understand the words to their meaning.
You can do this when looking at a book together, watch how Mum notices what catches her daughter's attention, rather than reading every word.
How following your child's lead helps them learn
It helps them to:
- Learn the words for things that interest them
- Learn to link the words they hear to their meanings
When sharing books at this age, it's important to know that you're not trying to teach children to read. The focus is on helping them learn to listen to and say new words.
You don't need to read books word for word- watch what they take an interest in on the page, like the pictures, and talk about them.
Repeat the bits they like best and even make up your own stories.
