and why should I read to my baby? just because you want them to know..books and reading do wonders!!even if for the first time the book will end up in their mouth.. ( well that's when cloth book comes in handy) but it doesn't mean that it doesn't worth trying. Exposing books in baby's first year is vital for emotional and intellectual developments.Early childhood studies show that reading aloud to babies can teach them to recognize different sounds have different meanings which are the foundation of speech and comprehension.
In the hospital, I was given a gift pack for new mothers. It contained free samples of nappies, baby lotion, baby oil, baby development book etc. What surprised me was there was a library registration form and a black and white board book for my baby. This is a good way to get children to click with library from their early age. The book called baby's world pictures in black and white showing contrast which known to facilitate baby's eye coordination. and guess what, I got Ilham clicked to it since she was 2 weeks old!!!Usually after feeding, I wind her.. and if she is still awake, I will either lie her or let her on her tummy and start talking to her. The I will move the book vertically or horizontally while calling her name or explaining to her pictures in the book. At first she didn't show any interest but after several attempts, as she get good control of her eyes , she started to follow directions of the book. So it's true that picture books with contrast , bright and simple images provide visual stimulation towards baby's cognitive skills.
Initially I found out it quite boring because it seems that I was the only one who somehow understand the picture ( obviously my baby doesn't has a clue what her mother is doing!!)..but gradually my baby started to pay attention and focus to what I am trying to show/read/explain to her...and now at 5 months she will smile every time I show her a book and tell her that we going to read it. I believe reading to my baby can bond us and develop Ilham's emotion. Sometimes I lie next to her, holding the book high so that we can share the book..and laugh together.
Ilham's very first book. courtesy of Christchurch City library.
These are benefits laid out in the Read-Aloud book Chapter 1
1.Promote Listening Skills
2.Increase the Number of Vocabulary Words Babies Hear
3.Develop Attention Span and Memory
4.Help Babies Learn Uncommon words
5.Help Babies Learn to Understand the Meanings of Words
6.Help Babies Learn Concepts about Print
7.Help Babies learn to Get Information from Illustrations
8.Promote Bonding and Calmness for Both Baby and Parent
9.Stimulate the Imagination and All the Senses
10.Instill the Love of Books and Learning
Of course Ilham doestn't stay still and listen intently all the time..especially when the tv is on! Now she learnt a new skill of thumping her hand on the book ( lucky they are all board books). Now since I started to go to the office, my reading time with her will be after dinner and before going to bed. With the cloth book, she can hold, chew and play with it. I hope this will create her positive association with books and lifelong love of reading.
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