By Holly Engel-Smothers
[NOTE FROM SUSAN HEIM: This article is the first of many from parent educator and mom of twins (and a twingle), Holly Engel-Smothers, who will be sharing her wisdom and expertise on the subject of reading through this "Literacy for All" column, which will appear on a regular basis on TwinsTalk.]
When I was expecting my twin girls, I prepared the house, their rooms, the car, and the grandparents. Thank goodness I had several months to achieve this massive undertaking. One thing that I really enjoyed during this preparation time was going to the bookstore and searching for a few books to read to my baby girls. I searched the shelves for just the right books with the same intensity and scrutiny as I searched for the right bouncy seats. I found some old favorites and discovered some new ones. I knew that I had a trusted and reliable friend in the stories, one who would help me bond with the girls when I felt like I had no more brain cells left. I knew that when I was exhausted, I could rely on the stories to set the stage for quiet, quality time to share together with the least bit of effort.
Start reading to your little ones from Day 1. It is never too early to start. Set up a routine that includes snuggles, smiles, and serenity. Turn off the music and TV so your babies can really focus on the lilt of your voice, the joy you express while reading, and the sounds and rhythms made in your particular language. Turn off the phone, as well. (Picture a tender time with your twins that suddenly gets interrupted by the shrill ring of the phone. What a way to ruin the mood!) Before starting, change diapers and wrap your twins up in a warm blanket or set them in their bouncy seats. Be close to them, maybe even sit or lay between them.
Your new babies have no idea what you are actually reading to them until several months later, but don't let this deter you. Reading to your "peas in a pod" exposes them to a lot of human speech. This aids in language development, which I have found to be a slow developmental milestone for many twins to achieve. Each time your babies hear a particular word or song, memory is built up in the brain. Eventually, these memories, or "connections," become strong enough to create a skill or move the babies forward to achieving another language milestone.
The reading material does not have to be a children's book. You can read newspapers, magazines, a romance novel, or the bills aloud. The point of reading aloud while they are so little is bonding with your newborn twins and teaching them that book time is "love-y" time, cozy time, happy time.
Parents, I strongly urge you to put reading with your twins at the top of your daily list of "to dos." Encourage caregivers, siblings, and grandparents to read to your twins, too. Suggest books for birthday or holiday presents. Check thrift stores for books. Of course, check out your area library, as well.
Reading together and a love of books are wonderful gifts to give to your babies, which they will have for the rest of their lives.