How to make your own toddler books
It’s one of those things that connects us all. We love to look at pictures of people we love! How about making some toddler books with pictures of familiar people and places? You will LOVE watching your their face when they see pictures of you both in the book.
I’ve been making DIY books for children for years – from making books for my class of 8 infants and toddlers when I was a teacher, showing early childhood teachers how to make ‘classroom books’ that include photos of each child and their family, to sending picture books with our foster children when they were placed in their permanent homes. And now I’m making books for our grandkids who live a 2-day drive away from us.
I’ve mastered how to make a durable book that stands the test of time, chewing and rough handling by little hands and I want to show you how to do the same. All you need is a printed copy of your favorite phone pics, some cardstock, clear contact paper or a laminator and some packing tape. And scissors and glue of course.
In this video I give you the step-by-step instructions on how to make a toddler book. At the end you can see Luka and Emmy’s delight when they see the book for the first time. 🥰 Make a book for your little one and see how much they love it!
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The great thing about picture books is they provide an opportunity for language development. As you can see from the video, Luka immediately launched into storytelling mode, “Once upon a time…” and then went on to describe each picture and ‘read’ the story to his mom.
With your older baby or toddler who’s not speaking quite yet, you can talk about each picture as you snuggle up together. You’ll be modeling language and teaching new words as your speak.
Books are an important component in language development and early literacy. The more you read to your baby, the more words they’ll understand, the bigger their vocabulary will be, and it will be easier for your child to make sense of letters, sounds and words when they begin the process of learning to read in school.
You’re giving them a head start academically when you read books together PLUS you’re filling that little emotional tank with time, attention and presence. It’s what we ALL need from those we love, especially your children.😍
And just a quick reminder. You are exactly the parent your child needs.
Raising children today has some unique challenges, and I’m here to help you expand your parenting checklist to include connection, belonging, and purpose. I want to help you give your child the gift of being known by the very people they’re wired to connect with and love.
I hope you’ll stay connected with Nurtured Noggins. We’re here to help.
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Meet Ann
I'm a child development specialist, parent coach and teacher trainer. I've cared for countless babies in child development programs, plus 3 kids, 3 grand babies and 5 foster babies! I LOVE babies and would come hold yours if I could. ❤️
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