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Better ‘First Words’ Books

As a speech language pathologist and mom of two, I don’t love traditional ‘first words’ books. Here’s why:


There are too many pictures / words on each page

The number of pictures on each page of traditional ‘first words’ books is overwhelming, even to adults. Especially if you’re reading those giant first words books, there are SO many words on each page! This makes it difficult for children to really know which word you’re talking about. Even if you point to each word as you say it, the likelihood that your baby only looks at the word you’re pointing to is unlikely.


Research also tells us that children need to hear a word several (sometimes many) times before they understand and begin to use it. Focusing on fewer words ensures more repetition!


It’s hard to make these books interactive

Listening to a series of words being read to you isn’t very exciting for anyone, especially children. The more interactive and exciting words are for children, the more likely they are to learn and remember them!


BUT, with a few tweaks, ‘first words’ books can be incredibly beneficial!

Here’s how:


First, let’s trade out those traditional ‘first words’ books for some with clear, simple pictures and only one picture per page. Here are a couple that I love!

Next, let’s make reading these books interactive:


Add sound effects!

⭐️ Pointing to an animal? What sound does it make?

⭐️ Pointing to a car? Beep beep!


Add songs!

⭐️ Reading a first words farm book? Sing ‘Old Macdonald’ with each animal!

⭐️ Get to a page with a shark? Sing ‘baby shark’!


Look for books that have interactive features, like touch and feel, pop up features, and push/pull tabs!


And, as always, have fun with it. Reading and learning are meant to be fun!



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