This post was sponsored by First 5 California. All content is my own.
I’ve made it one of our family goals to encourage my toddler to talk, read, and sing daily. These early development days are so important to our kids and I want to make sure I’m doing my part as a mom
Did you love to talk, read, and sing as a child?
When you think about it talking, reading, and singing are such simple things. It’s amazing the huge impact they can have on our children growing into adulthood.
Truthfully talking, reading, and singing go hand in hand. As parents we are the main point of access for our children
How do I motivate my child to talk, read, and sing?
1. Give Your Kids access to books and music
Encourage reading by giving your kids constant access to books. This could be a book box for the car or a crate of books in a high traffic area like the living room.
Set up a reading nook in their bedroom with a cozy tent or beanbag chair. Somewhere they can sit and enjoy their books.
You may also like: How to get children’s books for FREE!
2. Visit the Library Often
Check out books at your library often. Your library may have an ebook service where you can check out free children’s books on your phone or device.
Many libraries have free story times for kids and programming during the summer!
3. Make Time for Story Time
Set aside time each day to read with your children. Story time can easily be fit into your child’s bedtime routine.
Reading is a great way to help your kids wind down in the evenings.
Find a routine that works for you and your kids to spend 10 or more minutes a day reading. You can make it fun by having themed reading nights or reading something different like comic books or children’s magazines.
4. Sing Along
Do you have favorite songs from your childhood? Share those with your kids! You can also find a wealth of children’s songs on YouTube if you need some inspiration.
Share your love of music with your kids by playing your favorite songs while cleaning or in the car. Sing along to the music with your kids, you would be surprised what they might catch on to.
We find our kids singing songs on their own and making up new ones. I’d like to think that’s a result of our time spent singing together.
Check out First Five California’s Pandora station for kids HERE! It’s perfect for singing along to with the kids.
5. Use Books and Music to Create Conversations
Talking with your kids about music and books is so important. Reading and music can create long conversations had with your children.
Ask them about their favorite characters and parts of the story. Talk with your baby/toddler about the pictures in the stories you read. Find out what kind of music your kids like best by having a conversation with them about it.
It’s great bonding with your kids over music and books by creating conversations. These talks benefit them socially and help their comprehension of what they are reading and listening to.
Remember, incorporating talking, reading, and singing into your child’s day can be simple. Start with a set story time during the day, a quick trip to your local library, or singing along in the car.
More Resources for Parents
Click HERE to find free activities and fun ideas for your little one from First 5 California. Make sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram for even more ideas to get your kids talking, reading, and singing.
How do you incorporate talking, reading, and singing at home? What encourages your kids to talk, read, and sing. I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas in the comments below!
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judy jbrittain
Hey, great share…..
I completely agree with you that its really important to give your kids proper access to music and books. I also often take out my kids to public library to make them read and make new friends over there. In a way it helps them grow much quicker. You have shard some really good ideas and your post is definitely worth sharing.
Thanks for sharing this post. Keep sharing more….
Cheers!!
Sammy
Thanks Judy! We have always tried to give our kids open access to books and music. I always had it growing up and now am obsessed with reading and love music.
Charlene Asay
I think that it is very important to start reading to your children very young. Giving them access to books is also important. Thanks for hosting with me ! Love your blog!
Samantha
Starting young is so important. My 12 month old has always loved being read to. I have been loving being co-host to the linky party, thanks for having me! :)
Deborah G
These are such important skills for kids. My son loves his evening storytime! I’ll have to make sure he sings more by singing along to music in the car. Great tips!
Samantha
Hi Deborah, We love singing in the car! It doesn’t always have to be kids music either. My kids love all sorts of music. Be sure to check out First 5 California too for some fun songs and ideas. Thank you for stopping by!
ashley packard
I really enjoyed all of these tips. I did a lot of this stuff with my first child, but sometimes it’s hard to remember to do some of this when you’re try to juggle two.
Lyndsey R.
A wonderful post! My son loves to read and sing and I feel it is because I did those things when he was young.
Samantha
Thank you Lyndsey! I always think it’s neat seeing the impact you have on your kids as they grow. :)
Amila
Lovely post.First it took me to my childhood days.I also had great opportunities to raise in an environment where I had access to read books.My parents encouraged me in every way.
The tips in this post are great.I used most of those with my son and now he really loves to read and sing.When he was about few months old,I started playing YouTube videos (nursery songs)surprisingly when he could just talk,he started singing A B C D song :)
Samantha
Sounds like you had awesome parents! My 12 month old loves listening to music too, she dances and is starting to sound out words pretty fast. Thanks for stopping by Amila! :)
Laura Mausolf
I love this post! We read to our kids all the time and have the same beliefs as you! What an important message, thanks for sharing :) Glad to co-host with you!
Teresa Carlton
Great post! We sing Bob Dylan’s “Forever Young” every night before bed. It’s not a typical lullaby, but it has the sweetest message of everything I want for my girls, and they love it, too!
Samantha
What a sweet song, I bet your girls love it. My kids love all sorts of music too. Thanks for stopping by Teresa!
Dandi D
These are some really great ideas–my son loves to sing with me!