Blog #6 No App Can Replace Your Lap

Reading enhances a child’s concentration

By Diane Davies

“Wait – you want me to sit down with my toddler and read?  I can hardly get that child to sit down, let alone try and read to him!   He’s grabbing for the book, turning pages, trying to get off of my lap, pulling my hair, squirming to be let go.  His attention span is only a few seconds.  You’ve got to be kidding!”

That is exactly why you need to start reading with a young child.  Being able to concentrate is a learned behavior.  So why not get started?  Beginning a new routine can be difficult especially with children.  Helping a child learn to concentrate is one of those things that definitely takes time to develop. Toddlers and younger need time to learn to focus and give their attention to a task at hand.  A daily reading routine will enhance this skill.

Remember to start small.  There are a multitude of books for the very young.  They are bright and colorful as well as full of pictures and textures.  The secret is to read WITH the child not just TO them.  Take time to talk about the pictures, point out details, make comparisons with things in your home, even guessing what’s going to come next.  Helping your child understand what they are reading is just as important as the reading itself.  Your interest will help spark their interest and assist the skill of focusing to develop.

Be able to focus and concentrate is a big part of school success.  Your read aloud routine helps that happen.

Happy Reading!