How to develop reading habits in 2-3 years?

The most important part about sharing books with your little ones is to have fun together. If children are engaged and enjoying themselves, this simply means they are learning. When children have positive interactions with books, they are developing good feelings about reading, this will motivate them to continue seeking out books and other literacy materials as they grow. 

Some ideas to nurture early reading skills in your little ones includes:

• It’s okay that you read for a few minutes together. 

This is a well known fact that little ones tend to get bored too often and they can sit only for a few minutes. So, it’s common that they would get up only at the mid-way of your story or even before the mid-way. But as they grow they will be able to sit longer. Give your little one the right to decide how much time they want to spend time on reading. When you let them explore books in the ways that interest them, the reading experience will be more meaningful. 

• Make the story come alive 

Try to create voices for the story character and use your body language to tell the story, when you are reading stories for kids. This will generate curiosity in them and they will be interested in knowing more. 

• Show children the words

While reading out stories for the little ones, it is quite helpful to run your finger along the words, from left to right. This will help kids to look at the words and thus, lead to enhancement in their vocabulary.

• Show children the cover page

Try to show the cover page of the picture books or story books to your little ones. In this way, children will guess what the story is about and thus they will be imaginative and creative. 

• Make it personal

Try to talk about your own family, pets or community when you are reading about others in a story. 

• Let children turn the pages

Babies cannot yet turn pages on their own but give them a chance to try. Always remember that it is okay to skip pages!

• Make books part of your daily routine

The more that books are woven into children’s everyday lives, the more likely they will be to see reading as a pleasure and a gift. Try to include reading in your daily routine such as at meal times, in the car, at bath time, at bedtime, at nap time and at the end of the day. 

It is always good to read at least one story everyday. This will develop the lifelong love for reading in the kids. . Pegasus is India's leading award-winning children's book publisher. They have a wide range of books: workbooks, storybooks, baby board books, puzzles, toys, activity books, colouring books and many more. It is one of the best online platforms for buying kids’ books, games and toys that caters to children from 0 to 12 years old.