Reading for children from an early age enhances vocabulary and language development and it helps their literacy skills later on. Here are some good tips from Bergrún Íris on how to nurture literacy development. 

The First Book 

As soon as the baby holds its head up, it is time to start reading books for it. The baby wants to touch and even taste the book, so it is good that there are cloth or board books.  Concept books with simple and clear images are perfect for small babies. 

Bed Time Stories 

Our tone of voice changes during reading, heart rate slows down, breathing is calmed and muscles relax. Reading before the baby goes to sleep is quality time, which creates good sleep habits and improves nighttime sleep. 

Speech and expression  

By reading books, the adult uses more diverse words increasing the toddler's vocabulary. Reading teaches the toddler how to speak and express themselves in longer sentences. Point and name what you see on the page and teach the child how to connect words and pictures. 

The same book again and again  

Simple stories are fun and the toddler often wants to read the same book over and over again. Perhaps the toddler knows the story by heart and will correct the adult without hesitation if the adult re-tells it with his own words.