Tummy
READING
March 1, 2024
What, read to my stomach? Yes, that’s right! It’s now cradling a developing baby who’s listening to all of those sounds seeping in from the outside world. In the last three months of one’s pregnancy the baby is growing and preparing itself for it's grand entrance---a Birth Day!
Language learning jumps into action about the third trimester. This is the perfect time to begin reading out loud to the unborn baby. Read alouds offer a way to present patterns of speech, create memories and form loving connections. Science Daily reported that, “A month before they are born, fetuses carried by American mothers-to-be can distinguish between someone speaking in English and Japanese. Using non-invasive sensing technology for the first time for this purpose, a group of researchers has shown this in-utero language discrimination.” The womb is definitely a happening place!
The unborn baby is a receptive listener, having a want for their mother’s voice. Yes, talking to the fetus is an important way to build language too as previously discussed in TALKING Time posts. However, reading a text is different. When one reads the print of a book written by an author the content, word phrasing and vocabulary have been created for a specific purpos. It is generally dissimilar from every day
conversational talk.
There are two main kinds of books to read to the unborn baby, books written for children and adults. Both offer a range of listening
language experiences.
Children’s books: There are numerous kinds of children’s books. Some may be found at garage sales, thrift stores or even given as gifts from friends and family members. Oh, don’t forget local libraries, they’re a fantastic resource. When selecting children’s books, keep in mind that stories that rhyme, have a rhythm and/or contain repetitive phrases are enjoyed by the unborn baby. The books should be short reads for the listener and bring enjoyment for the reader, too. Be sure to keep those books handy in a book basket or box. Easy to find for these will be read over and over again during the last three months. Plus, later all those books will continue to be part of the new baby’s Reading Time, too.
Here’s just a few examples of popular selections:
Dr. Seuss, Green Eggs and Ham or The Cat in the Hat and so many MORE! (rhyming words all throughout)
Bill Martin Jr.,. Brown, Bear Brown Bear, What Do You See? (Repetitive phrases, color words, animals)
Eric Carle, The Very Hungry Caterpillar (Repetitive phrases, food, life cycle of butterfly)
Margaret Wise Brown, Goodnight Moon (poetry style, soothing)
Nursery Rhymes-Twinkle,Twinkle, Little Star, Are You Sleeping? and many MORE! (short rhyming poems)
There are even mom-to-be groups which gather together to read to their babies in the womb. They offer encouragement and support for expectant mothers. It’s a great way to connect and share book titles. Womb Literacy, Stork Storytime, Belly Babies are a few of the groups that have been formed for the purpose.
Reading Time can even become a fantastic family routine!
Adult books/articles etc.: It’s alright to use the read aloud time to get caught up on adult books or other reading material. Prenatal reading is important. However, reading children’s books has a greater impact on their future language and reading success. (One tends to read children’s books in a more engaging manner that fires up their neurons.)
The last three months of a pregnancy seem to go so slowly and one’s changing body bring challenges, too. Reading Time with
the unborn baby can be relaxing and offer a time to just put your feet up.
Happy Days to you
Kylene
“A book is a gift you can open again and again.”
Garrison Keillor, American writer
