I want to start reading to my 2 1/2 yr old boy, but he just wants to take the book out of my hands?

Question

or ends up tearing the pages. I end up just starting to read, and then it stalls. I want it to be enjoyable for him, but he wants to participate "hands on". I neeed suggestion, I know reading is good for them

Answer 1

I'd get a book of fairy-tales with ugly covers(big and old for example) or get two copies of one book and while he looks at the one book I'd read him from the other one.

Answer 2

Two and a half year olds love books to pieces--literally! (Mine used to chew on the spines of his favorites) Here are some suggestions to make reading time fun and enjoyable for both of you.
-Choose books carefully. All books are not the same! The cheap books from the dollar store will not foster a love of reading. Most libraries now keep a selection of the chunky board books that can't be torn. If you want to buy your own, choose some that have a topic your son likes. Byron Barton writes short, simple books about trains, planes, and other forms of transportation. Goodnight Moon by Margarent Wise Brown is a long-time favorite, as is "Where's Spot?" In short, if it's a book that you enjoy reading, your son will like it too.
-Don't feel tied to the text of the book. If it's long and boring, just read the parts that your son will like. Maybe just go through the book and say, "Where's the...?" and have your son point to different objects that he knows. He may want to skip pages or go to the end, which is fine at this age. Interactive books are great--we love "Tails" because there are so many moving parts. As he gets older (3-4), then start to draw his attention to the words.
-Model reading. Many well-meaning parents skip this step, but it's crucial. I know that parents are busy, but for just ten minutes a day, pull out a book of your own and read. Children learn what they see. If they see you reading and enjoying it, they will learn that reading is something grown-ups do.

Most of all, have fun! Don't feel stressed out or worried that you shoul have started sooner. The point is, you're starting now, and that's what matters. Books are amazing...enjoy the adventure.

Answer 3

get board books so that he cant rip the pages. then, make reading a fun time for him. if he doesnt want to do it, but a little tent and some snacks and camp out each night to read. let him turn the pages and read whatever is on that page. hes too young to be forced to sit through a whole story yet. or, get a book where you can buid vocabulary by telling him what the pictures are and having him repeat them. my sons favorite book is a book with 8 animals. it has text on the left page but mostly he just likes to turn the pages and say the names of the animals he can remember then i ask what does the _____ say? and we make the animal noises. If he really doesn't let you participate, get two of his favorite books so that you each have one. you can turn the pages to whatever he is on. and most importantly, get super excited about things. point and say WOW! Do you know what that is? If all you can do is see a picture and make up your own story that's fine too. At 2 1/2 hes not learning to read hes developing and imagination and learning to like the books themseslves. Remember it is supposed to be enjoyable so don't get frustrated just go with what he does so that he's having a good time. Good Luck!

By the way, I completely disagree with some of the people who have posted. Unless he is yelling and screaming and hitting, don't punish him during reading time. As long as he is taking an interest in it and not throwing the books at you or something then let him be interested in it and don't force him to do it a certain way just because you are the parent. It's not a parent child kind of situation. It's teaching your child. If you're getting angry with him or punishing him for not holding the book the right way or staying on one page for 20 seconds until youre done with it hes going to get upset and frustrated and walk away. I believe in discipline, but reading isnt the time. It has to be enjoyable or it will never happen. Him wanting to be "hand on" means to me that he is interested i nthe books and that is a good thing. Just remember that he is young and doesnt really get yet that there is a story that follows from page 1 to 2 to 3 to 4. and if he ends up not liking to read then he won't get to understand that.

And as for reading or not reading to him younger, yes it is always good to read from them from day 1, but lets not scorn someone for their parenting when they are asking a question. Obviously, you're trying now, which is wonderful!

Answer 4

Let him pick the book he wants at the store. Buy it and then let him tell you the story. I read to my son every night, but there was a point where he wanted the books. So I'd let him turn the pages and ask him about the pictures. What kinds of animals did he see? What colors? Was there a house or a tree? Were things going fast or slow? Were they big or small? Keep the questions to his level and he'll tell you what's happening. Part of the joy of reading is discovering, so let him discover and come up with his own story. Later he may be interested in hearing the actual words to the story, but for now, just make books fun.

Answer 5

Have you tried cardboard books? At least he won't be able to tear the pages. And if he wants to hold something, give him something to hold. Maybe a soft toy or something to keep him occupied.

Another thing is, when do you read to him? Often the best time is right before bed, when he's sleepier and less willing to run around or grab things. Or you could try making up stories, or reciting them. Then he won't have a book to take.

And if you are still having problems, maybe he needs a more physical activity. Not all children can just sit quietly and listen to someone. Have you considered the possibility that he might be hyperactive? Perhaps you should enquire about ADHD. I know it's not something that people want their children to have, but it doesn't have to be a problem. My brother has it, and he's fine. You just have to make sure that he's stimulated in the right way.

Answer 6

First, you can teach a child to respect books as property. Start with a little lesson: "This is the cover, these are the pages.... then start with how to turn pages. Which way you hold a book. How to hold it gently..." Then, while you are reading, give him a board book that he can hold and practice with while listening to your story. Eventally the newness will wear off and he will start to really listen to the story you are reading. At that point he will want to see the pictures that go along with the story. Be patient, and good for you for starting up with books. I taught many a kindergartner who didn't even know the front from the back!

Answer 7

Find plastic books where the pages can't be torn or hold the book further away from him. Maybe read to him while he's in a high chair anything so he can't get to the book. I know it seems like a good opportunity to snuggle up with the kid but separate the snuggling and the reading if need be. Just don't give up the reading. It really really helps.

Answer 8

You have to be firm & tell him not to do what he is doing!
you are the Parent,don't make a rod for your back
giving him disipline is not being mean its teaching him how to behave!
Now with that said,
He wants to see the pictures i suppose why he is doing what he is doing.
I always layed on the bed with my child next to me & i read holding the book & pointing to things & even getting the child to point to the subjects in the story like the puppy cat pig tree cloud etc but you keep hold of the book & if he keeps being naughty say if you keep it up i wont read anymore today & make sure you stick to what you say because kids are smart & will soon learn mum or dad dont mean what they say so they keep on being naughty because you might say you wont read any more & then in 2 minutes time you start to read again
enjoy your reading
it was a beautiful time I shared with my kids that I have never forgotten
edit
a 2 1/2 year old is old enough to understand all that i said i think

Answer 9

You should have started reading when they were to younge to hold it or pull it, know that hes older you need to start small start with short board books, he cant rip them because they are cardboard, give him another board book to hold while you read the other one gradually get books that are longer, youll notice as you do it gradually he will sit longer and better, also if your having trouble with him sitting for it or moving do it before bed sit in a chair together and do it, or get into bed with him and cuddle and do it, talk about the pictures ask him questions that he can awnser or point to. You could also try going to your public library and get "special" books that u get to take home but you have to take back! Good luck!!

Answer 10

you could try some of the books that have things to do in the - lift the flap/touch and feel books - this way his touching won't be so much of a problem. you could try letting him hold the book and turn the pages by himself. you could look through the book at the pictures and when you have finished this you could go back to the beginning and read the story. hope this help. my son is 6 and he loves to read. we started reading with him at quite a young age
and he is now top of his class with his reading, writing - just about everything actually. he's a real smartie pants.

Answer 11

It's extremely normal for babies to tear books. (My mum read an article about it from a magazine for parents, the baby tears the book because he/she finds it interesting). My mum told me that when I was a baby, I torn many colourful picture books while she was reading to me, I'd rip of half a page!!! So the next time you read to him, try using books with hard cover and thick cardboard pages. Have fun reading!!