Toddlers are beginning to learn the structure of language. They love to talk and will insist on reading the books they want again and again.

What's beginning with language with 2 to 3 year olds…

Toddlers are forming basic literacy concepts:
Print is speech written down.
Printed words in a book don't change.
Stories in books have a structure that conveys meaning.

What works when reading with toddlers…

Place books down low where your child can reach them.
Let your child:

  • Choose books to read
  • Hear the same book over and over.
  • Move around while you are reading
  • Turn pages.
  • Fill in words in stories they know.
  • Point to and name pictures.
  • Make sounds – animal noises, trains, and silly sounds.

What 2 to 3 year olds like in books . . .

Paper pages as well as board books.
Silly and funny books.
Playing with language.
Rhymes, rhythms, and repetitive wording.
Books about:

  • Children and families.
  • Making friends.
  • Food, animals, trucks and big machines.

For more information:
Zero to Three
Bright Futures

←1 to 2 Years
3 to 5 Years→
Raising Readers | P.O. Box 17826 | Portland, Maine 04112 | Phone: 1-800-397-3263
Libra Foundation