Reading nonfiction to 2 year olds
I spent a wonderful hour with seven 2 year olds on Thursday at Elizabeth’s Early Learning Center here in Lynchburg. I have been reading to this group of kids for over 6 months. I love walking into the their classroom and hearing them squeal with delight at the prospect of a new batch of books. When you think about it two is really a very special age. They have learned to control their bodies enough to be very mobile. They have mastered language well enough to communicate. Of course this is why they have been called the terrible twos. They are flaunting these wonderful new “powers”.
I took a series of books about animals for kids 6 to 9 years old. The text was not appropriate for two year olds, but the photographs were fine for a discussion about the animals featured in each book. We had a great dialogue about deer, rabbits, opposums and skunks. This reminded me of when my son was a toddler. He was fascinated by large photo books about space travel. Of course I read him plenty of picture books, but his interest in non fiction and space have been life long. He is currently a professor of astronomy at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.
My point is don’t be afraid to expose your toddlers to books that have appropriate photographs or artwork even if they are designed for older children or even adults. It’s a great opportunity for a dialogue about the subject matter at hand. Reading is always a opportunity to make a real connection with your kids and maybe even snuggle if they are in the mood.