Reading = ace

If you ever had any doubt that reading is wonderful (and I'm sure you actually haven't), the impact books have on a toddler will convince you forever.
From his vast collection of (mostly secondhand) books, Ari has learned so many words and phrases.
From a book called Grandpa and Thomas by the wonderful Pamela Allen, he learnt how to say "Me too!" and now says it with gusto at every opportunity. Ditto "Looka looka" (from the seagulls in the book) and "paddle paddle".
He can wheel out words like volcano, caterpillar and triceratops, all thanks to books.
We read to Ari twice a day, usually 3-5 books per session. There's no hard and fast rules on how many books, but we always finish with his alphabet book - and this is already paying off, as he's spotting letters on number plates and signs.