When selecting books for toddlers aged 16-18 months, it’s essential to choose titles that not only captivate their imagination but also support their cognitive and language development. Research highlights the importance of rhyme, rhythm, and repetition in early literacy skills, as these elements enhance language development and engagement. Here are some recommended books that fit these criteria, along with additional tips for reading with your toddler.
Recommended Books
- Moo, Baa, La La La! by Sandra Boynton:
- This book is renowned for its rhyming and repetitive text, making it perfect for encouraging language development and interaction. The playful animal sounds and repetitive structure help toddlers anticipate and predict the rhymes, fostering a sense of language mastery.
- Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell:
- An interactive lift-the-flap book that promotes exploration and engagement. The repetitive refrain and interactive elements encourage children to participate actively in the storytelling process.
- Where’s Spot? by Eric Hill:
- Another classic interactive book that encourages participation and exploration. The hide-and-seek format keeps toddlers engaged and curious.
- That’s Not My Puppy by Fiona Watt and Rachel Wells:
- This touchy-feely book offers a variety of textures for sensory exploration, combined with repetitive language that encourages children to engage actively with the story. The interactive elements help develop fine motor skills and curiosity.
- Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle:
- This classic uses repetition and rhyme to help toddlers associate colours with animals, creating a rhythmic pattern that is both engaging and educational.
Why Rhyme, Rhythm, and Repetition Matter
- Language Development: Rhyming and rhythmic patterns help children develop an ear for language, understanding the sounds and syllables in words, which is crucial for reading skills.
- Engagement: Repetition makes books enjoyable and easy to follow, encouraging children to request “again!” and fostering a love for reading.
- Cognitive Skills: Interactive elements like flaps and repetitive structures enhance problem-solving and memory skills.
Additional Tips for Reading with Toddlers
- Engage Interactively: Use books with flaps or repetitive elements to encourage participation and interaction.
- Encourage Repetition: Read favourite books regularly to build familiarity and reinforce language skills.
- Make It Fun: Use the rhythm of the book to engage your child physically, like bouncing or clapping, which enhances the learning experience.
By incorporating these books and strategies into your reading routine, you can help your toddler develop essential literacy skills while fostering a lifelong love for reading.
Citations
- https://natlib.govt.nz/blog/posts/feel-the-rhythm-developing-language-through-rhythm-and-rhyme
- https://www.musicalchild.com.au/why-teach-nursery-rhymes-emergent-literacy/
- https://www.raisethemreading.com/post/the-3-r-s-rhythm-rhyme-and-repetition
- https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Moo-Baa-La-La-La!/Sandra-Boynton/9780689870279
- https://www.panmacmillan.com.au/9781529017571/
- https://www.booktopia.com.au/where-s-spot–hill-eric/book/9780241426128.html
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown_Bear,_Brown_Bear,_What_Do_You_See%3F
- https://stayathomeeducator.com/tips-for-choosing-out-books-for-toddlers-and-preschoolers/
- https://www.clel.org/early-literacy/storytime/selecting-picture-books/
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0142723714544410
- https://www.epl.ca/blogs/post/the-role-of-rhythms-and-rhymes-in-early-literacy/
- https://blog.storypark.com/2020/12/why-songs-rhymes-and-verbal-repetition-appeal-to-small-children/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9518755/
- https://www.booktrust.org.uk/news-and-features/features/2018/november/rhymes-in-early-childhood/
- https://www.hanen.org/information-tips/getting-hooked-on-books
- https://www.amatterofrhyme.com/blog/thethreers
- https://www.firstfiveyears.org.au/early-learning/why-repetitive-reading-helps-your-child
- https://mainlymusic.org/blogs/insights/rhyme-rhythm-and-repetition
- https://raisingchildren.net.au/toddlers/play-learning/literacy-reading-stories/reading-with-toddlers
- https://raisingchildren.net.au/babies/play-learning/literacy-reading-stories/reading-storytelling
- https://www.connectedlibraries.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/The-Benefits-of-NURSERY-RHYMES-.pdf
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8035052/
- https://boysandgirlsnursery.com/the-benefits-of-nursery-rhymes-in-your-childs-development/
- https://www.vic.gov.au/literacy-teaching-toolkit-early-childhood/learning-foci-emergent-literacy/phonological-awareness
- https://earlychildhood.qld.gov.au/early-years/early-learning-at-home/read-and-count/the-power-of-repetition
- https://theimaginationtree.com/the-importance-of-rhyme-in-early-literacy-development/
- https://www.readings.com.au/product/9780671449018/moo-baa-la-la-la–sandra-boynton–1995–9780671449018
- https://multilit.com/product/p9780230747722/
- https://www.blinkist.com/en/books/wheres-spot-en
- https://raceconscious.org/2016/01/1148/
- https://stemielearningtrajectories.fpg.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/SBC-Moo-Baa-La-La-La.pdf
- https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Dear-Zoo/Rod-Campbell/Dear-Zoo-Friends/9781534460126
- https://www.betterreading.com.au/book/wheres-spot/
- https://www.penguin.com.au/books/brown-bear-brown-bear-what-do-you-see-9780141501598
- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/133290968
- https://www.playandlearntogether.com.au/play-experiences/27092021-163627-dear-zoo
- https://familymath.stanford.edu/activity/storybook-guide-based-on-eric-hills-wheres-spot/
- https://www.scanlonspeech.com/2013/03/21/how-to-read-brown-bear-brown-bear-what-do-you-see-to-get-your-toddler-talking/
- https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/sep2015/book-matters
- https://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/reading-resources/book-selection-tips/book-recommendations-choosing-great-books-children.html
- https://unitedway.com.au/choosing-books-for-your-child/
- https://www.readingrockets.org/topics/childrens-books/articles/selecting-books-your-child-finding-just-right-books
- https://www.readingfairy.com/nurseryrhymes
- https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/sandra-boynton/moo-baa-la-la-la/
- https://www.panmacmillan.com.au/9781529074932/
- https://www.penguin.com.au/books/wheres-spot-9780241426128
- https://www.vic.gov.au/literacy-teaching-toolkit-early-childhood/experience-plans/brown-bear
- https://socialjusticebooks.org/guide-for-selecting-anti-bias-childrens-books/
- http://storiesofplay.com/my-top-tips-for-choosing-childrens-books/
- https://www.storyfest.com.au/news/5-tips-for-choosing-the-right-childrens-books
- https://readingeggs.com.au/articles/how-to-choose-books-for-kids/
Join our community
Join the Motheroo Montessori community and receive exclusive insights, practical tips, and inspiring stories directly to your inbox.
