Early years reading is an important stage in a child's cognitive development. It is during this time that children begin to learn the basics of language, communication, and literacy. One of the best ways to encourage early years reading is through books. Books not only provide children with an opportunity to learn about language and literacy, but they also promote cognitive development, imagination, and creativity.
When it comes to selecting the best type of book for early years reading, there are several factors to consider. These factors include the age and developmental stage of the child, the child's interests, and the content of the book. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best types of books for early years reading.
Picture books
Picture books are one of the most popular types of books for early years reading. They are books that use pictures to tell a story, and they are designed to capture a child's imagination. Picture books are perfect for young children who are just starting to learn how to read. They are typically short, with simple sentences and large, colorful illustrations that help to keep a child's attention.
Picture books come in a variety of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. They can also be used to teach children about different topics, such as animals, nature, and social skills. Some popular picture books include "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle, "Goodnight Moon" by Margaret Wise Brown, and "Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak.
Board books
Board books are another great type of book for early years reading. Board books are designed to be durable, with thick pages that can withstand a child's rough handling. They are typically small, with simple illustrations and short sentences that are easy for young children to understand.
Board books are perfect for babies and toddlers who are just beginning to explore the world around them. They are often used as a tool for teaching basic concepts, such as colors, shapes, and numbers. Some popular board books include "Pat the Bunny" by Dorothy Kunhardt, "Moo, Baa, La La La!" by Sandra Boynton, and "Peek-a-Who?" by Nina Laden.
Interactive books
Interactive books are a great way to keep young children engaged in reading. These books are designed to encourage children to participate in the story by asking questions, giving commands, or providing feedback. Interactive books can be a great tool for promoting language development and communication skills.
Some examples of interactive books include lift-the-flap books, touch-and-feel books, and pop-up books. These books are designed to be engaging and interactive, with different textures, sounds, and visual elements that help to keep a child's attention.
Classic children's literature
Classic children's literature is another great type of book for early years reading. These books are timeless classics that have been enjoyed by generations of children. They are typically written in a more complex language and can be read aloud to young children by parents or caregivers.
Some popular classic children's literature includes "The Cat in the Hat" by Dr. Seuss, "The Velveteen Rabbit" by Margery Williams, and "Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White. These books not only promote literacy and language development but also teach important life lessons and promote creativity and imagination.
In conclusion, there are many different types of books that are suitable for early years reading. Picture books, board books, interactive books, and classic children's literature are all great options. When selecting a book for early years reading, it's important to consider the age and developmental stage of the child, their interests, and the content of the book. By choosing the right type of book, you can help to encourage a love of reading and promote cognitive development in young children.