how to read lift-the-flap books with babies and toddlers
As pediatric speech therapists (and moms!) we love to incorporate books into our rhythms and routines as much as possible.
Starting at an early age, lift-the-flap books are some of our favorites for so many reasons. They provide opportunities for more interaction with the books we are reading as well as help build anticipation as the book becomes more and more familiar.
We love books of all kinds for helping babies and toddlers learn to talk, but here are a few more reasons why we especially love lift-the-flap books:
Participation
The flaps provide an easy way for your child to interact with a book while you are reading and may hold their attention for a bit longer. Even opening and closing the flap a few times is a great way to participate with the books. It becomes a multisensory experience! They are able to see what’s under the flap as well as touch and feel the flap too. So many great ways to explore!
Cause/Effect
We want children to learn this important developmental skill! Your child performs an action and they learn that there is a result! It may also help foster a sense of independence in being able to control opening and closing the flap/pages of the book. This is a great way to let your child lead.
Fine motor skills
At first, you might need to completely open the flap for them (especially for those new books!) but as they develop, they’ll be able to use their fine motor skills to open the flaps quickly and independently. The use of these small muscles to manipulate objects eventually leads to increased strength, coordination, and efficient movement of our hands! This is a wonderful way to practice the pincer grasp which is responsible for so many skills including self feeding and eventually writing. Even while they are exploring book pages, they are utilizing and practicing this skill.
Learn new words
Lift-the-flap books provide an opportunity to spend a little bit longer on each page. Oftentimes, the pictures under flaps focus on useful vocabulary such as animal names (Dear Zoo) or locations (Where Is Baby’s Belly Button or Where’s Spot?). Even if your child is not telling you what they see, they are making important associations and connections about what those words mean in their world. As these books become more familiar, your child might anticipate what is coming next and may even name it before you lift the flap!
Connection:
Lift-the-flap books offer another way to connect and interact with your kids in a way that doesn’t require much effort. They really do love them and get so into being a part of the reading experience. It’s a fun and simple way to spend time together.
Bonus: don’t be afraid to get silly!
Click here to shop our favorite flap books! If you’re able to support local bookstores, you can find these titles via our Bookshop as well.
Additional TIPS
If your child is enjoying lift-the-flap books and you’d like to take it a step further, here are a few of our favorite ways to change up your reading and practice additional skills:
Tap the Underside: Does your child love the flaps but can’t quite maneuver them independently? We recommend lifting the flap up slightly and then tapping it in order to prompt them to open it entirely. This can be helpful as they are learning the motor movements required to open the flaps.
Knock to Open: Have your child practice knocking on the flap before opening. This can help build anticipation and is an opportunity to practice taking turns and utilizing verbal routines (“knock, knock”, “who is it?”, “open!”).
Upgrade Any Book: Have a favorite book but it doesn’t have flaps? You can easily make it one by putting sticky notes over favorite pictures or (if you’re feeling fancy) taping in felt!
We love books of all kinds but lift-the-flap books hold a special place for us. There are so many benefits to reading with your little ones and we hope this helps you to feel empowered as you reach for those books (or read the same one for the hundredth time!).
Shop our favorites
We’ve linked some of our favorite lift-the-flap books for you on Amazon and Bookshop. The library is a great place to find some of these as well. We’d love to hear what other titles you’d add to our list.
Happy reading, friends!
Katie + Carly
Related: Reading With a Busy Toddler
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