Bilingual Parent Tips for Reading with Your Baby

It’s never too early to read with your baby! Colorín Colorado, a bilingual website with resources for parents and teachers of English language learners, offers some great tips for getting started that will help your baby develop language skills and a love of books, such as:

1. Be sure to look for baby-friendly books with bright or bold illustrations; books made of cloth or soft plastic (for the bathtub) or "board books" with sturdy cardboard pages are easier for a baby to handle.
2. Remember to keep books where your baby can reach them!

To see more of these tips in English and Spanish, visit Colorín Colorado, and if you work with parents, feel free to distribute these tips!

Also, check your public library to see what kinds of programs they offer for babies and toddlers – to get an idea of some of the services that many libraries offer, see Library Services for Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers (also in Spanish).

For some reading fun with Reba McEntire, watch Toddling Toward Reading, the newest episode of Launching Young Readers from our sister site, Reading Rockets.

Hosted by McEntire, "Toddling Toward Reading" examines what it takes to give our babies and preschoolers the early literacy skills they need to become successful readers.

If you’d like more ideas about reading with your baby, take a look at these great resources!

Pierce County Library System, WA: Early Education Resources (check out the bilingual “Read to Your Baby Booklet” at the bottom of the page)

PBS Parents: About My Baby

U.S. Department of Education: Baby Talk (also available in Spanish on Colorín Colorado)

U.S. Department of Education: Healthy Start, Grow Smart bilingual pamphlets

There are lots of ideas out there – it’s just a question of finding them and getting started. Try something new each week and see what works best for your baby!