It may seem that very young children don't understand what you’re saying, but in important ways they do. Talking, singing, and reading to your child are not only important for brain development but a wonderful opportunity for bonding with your child. When babies hear you say words over and over, more speech and language connections develop.

You can read picture books and stories to very young children, even to infants. By about six months, infants show their excitement by widening their eyes and moving their arms and legs when looking at a book with pictures of babies or other familiar objects. Read stories in a way that encourages older babies and toddlers to participate—by answering your questions, pointing out what they see in a picture book, telling you what they think will happen next in the story, and repeating rhymes and refrains. Telling the same stories and singing the same songs over and over may feel boring to you but not to children.

For more about how to read aloud effectively, check out the eXtension Alliance for Better Child Care article on reading with children in child care.

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