You asked, we delivered! We heard that you want more information on how to choose the right books for your children, so we developed this series. In this series, we talk about the different types of books for babies & toddlers and make recommendations based on our professionals' favorites!
In this article:
The Benefits of Board Books for Babies and Toddlers
Reading to children is a cherished activity for many parents and caregivers, and board books are a staple in the world of early childhood literature. These sturdy, colorful books are designed specifically for little hands and growing minds.
One of the primary advantages of board books is their durability. Made from thick cardboard, these books can withstand the rough handling typical of curious babies and toddlers. They can be chewed on, thrown around, and even slobbered on without falling apart. This makes them a safe and reliable option for young children who are still developing fine motor skills and learning how to handle books.
How do board books support development?
Early Literacy Skills
The simple, repetitive text found in many board books helps young children understand the rhythm and structure of language. This repetition aids in building vocabulary and listening comprehension. Additionally, the bright, engaging illustrations capture a child's attention, encouraging them to make connections between words and pictures.
Cognitive Development
As children listen to stories, they learn about cause and effect, problem-solving, and critical thinking. The interactive nature of many board books, such as those with flaps to lift or textures to touch, further enhances their cognitive skills by encouraging exploration and discovery.
Emotional Growth
Reading together is a wonderful way to bond with your child. The physical closeness and shared experience of exploring a book create a sense of security and emotional well-being. This time is essential for emotional growth, as it helps children feel loved and valued. Board books often feature stories about emotions, relationships, and everyday experiences, which can also help young children understand and express their feelings.
Fostering a Love of Reading
When children associate books with positive experiences and feelings of joy and comfort, they are more likely to develop a lasting interest in reading. Board books often feature beloved characters and engaging stories that can captivate a child's imagination, making reading a delightful and rewarding activity.
Building Fine Motor Skills
The act of turning thick pages, lifting flaps, or pointing to pictures requires hand-eye coordination and dexterity. These activities strengthen the small muscles in their hands and fingers, preparing them for more complex tasks like writing and drawing as they grow older.
Our favorite board books:
Poke-a-Dot Books by Melissa & Doug are some of the top favorite board books across a variety of professionals (speech, OT, and early childhood educators). These books are offered in different themes, like holidays and popular children's songs, and they also have books for teaching skills like learning colors or letters.
Characters that are familiar can motivate children to read. Bluey, Blippi, Sesame Street, and Mickey Mouse are some of our favorite character books right now. Finding books with your child's personal interests is always a good idea!
Classic stories and rhymes are a hit with young children. Luckily, a lot of the classic stories are offered as board books. Our clients love The Rainbow Fish, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Brown Bear, Goodnight Moon, and Dear Zoo.
Or... Try some new stories that are sure to become remembered favorites for your children: Llama Llama, Little Blue Truck, Grumpy Monkey, Pout Pout Fish, and Goodnight Construction Site.
Books with sounds are another popular category amongst our staff. Books with buttons that allow for songs or sound effects are engaging and fun! We love Around the Farm by Eric Carle.
Interactive board books that ask children to sing along or touch the book help keep children active and engaged while reading. Right now our staff is using We're Going on a Bear Hunt and Don't Push the Button.
Board books are valuable tools for early childhood development. From encouraging early literacy skills and cognitive development to promoting emotional growth and fine motor skills, board books offer numerous benefits for babies and toddlers. By incorporating board books into your child's daily routine, you can create a foundation for a lifelong love of reading and learning. So, the next time you're looking for a book to share with your little one, consider the many advantages of board books.
Keep reading! Check out the other posts in this series: interactive books, picture books, and repetition books.
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