Reading at 2-3 years: small moments that build confidence
Sponsored by Akademibokhandeln
Between two and three years old, something happens. Your child becomes more independent & more curious, but at the same time has a great need for security. In this phase, reading can become one of those recurring moments that hold everyday life together. A break. An embrace. A place to land in. Together with Akademibokhandeln, we want to guide you as a parent in the world of reading to inspire you to read often with your child!
When you read aloud to your child, it's not just the words that matter. It's your voice, the pace, the body language and the closeness together. Sitting close, pointing to pictures, pausing and talking to each other. There are countless studies showing the benefits of reading together with your child! Because it's not just about the reading itself. Reading aloud is a way to strengthen the bond between you and your child, while giving them a sense of calm in what is often a fast-paced everyday life.
For many children aged 2-3, books are their very first stories. They learn how a story works: that something starts, happens and ends. Multi-sentence books, with a few sentences per page, provide just enough to absorb and invite conversation. You don't have to read exactly what the book says, but sometimes it's enough to talk about the picture, imitate a sound or ask a simple question.
Around the age of two, many children want to be involved in decision-making. Being able to choose a book yourself creates participation and enjoyment! Maybe your child wants to read the same book over and over again? Repetition is a big part of this age! Repetition provides security and strengthens both language and understanding. Follow your child's interest, whether it's about animals, vehicles, everyday life or emotions, and read about what your child shows interest in!
Books can also help your child understand the world around them. Preschool, relationships and families look different, and stories make it easier to face things that are new. A book where Klara tells us that she has two mothers can open up conversations about differences in a natural and safe way, without it having to be big or difficult. Perhaps a future sibling is on the way? Then there are lots of books that invite you to understand what it's like when mom's belly grows and your siblings are born!
Reading is also a great support when emotions are running high. Through the characters in the book, the child is helped to put into words what he or she is feeling: anger, fear, joy or loss. That's how it feels for me too.
Akademibokhandeln believes in the small moments.
A book before bed, on the couch after preschool or in the middle of play. It doesn't have to be long, the important thing is that it happens. Because in every shared reading experience, you not only build language, but also security, relationships and a lifelong desire to read!
