Key Developmental Milestones (0-2 Years)
Language Development: At this stage, babies are beginning to recognise sounds, words, and even the rhythm of language. Reading aloud helps babies understand that sounds and words have meaning.
0-6 months: Babies are developing listening skills and may respond to the rhythm and melody of books, even if they don't understand the words.
6-12 months: Babies may start to recognise familiar faces, objects, and words in books.
12-24 months: Babies begin to engage more with books through touch, sound, and looking at pictures. They may start to recognise specific words and may even try to ‘talk’ during read-aloud sessions.
Cognitive Development: Babies are building basic cognitive skills like object permanence (understanding that objects still exist even if they’re not visible) and cause-and-effect relationships. Books that use textures, flaps, or mirrors encourage exploration and learning.
Sensory Development: Babies explore the world through their senses, and books with textures, bright colours, and sounds enhance sensory development. Books at this age should be tactile and interactive.
WHERE TO START:
BLOG POSTS:
Beyond Books: Easy Ways to Boost Vocabulary
READING IDEAS:
The best books for this age group are board books, soft books, and books that encourage interaction (e.g., lift-the-flap books or books with sounds).
Books with rhymes are great, as are ones about animals, colours, numbers and shapes - all helping to reinforce early literacy and understanding.
Some suggestions are:
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell
Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney
Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Helen Oxenbury
Where’s Spot? by Eric Hill
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen