I tend to watch the twins very carefully when we read to them. For
that matter, I tend to watch them carefully at other times when
they are in the "receiving" mode. Our Montessori classroom calls it
the unconscious absorbent mind. I embrace this concept because I am
always astounded by how much the twins take in and notice from the
world around them. This extends to story time at home.

I am amazed at how the twins enjoy reading books many times over.
At times they prefer different books and at others they are happy
with the same book. I often see them picking up on slightly
different parts of the books facilitated in part by the pictures on
the page. It is very easy to impose your own bias on the process -
after all how many repetitions of Goodnight Gorilla or Five Little
Monkeys can you stand.
 
I guess the point here is to let it go and re-read as many times
as your child wishes - and with gusto. According to the National
Association for the Education of Young Children, in a 1997 study,
this reading and rereading particularly to infants as well as young
children can be instrumental in the development of literacy. They
begin to make the association between words and meanings and the
printed representation on the page. They also learn an appreciation
for the activity of reading which can benefit them for many years
into the future.
 
I also believe that our twins have a richer opportunity than
singletons because of the immediate comments, gestures and
reactions that the sibling makes "in the moment". So, as another
source has recommended - go ahead and reread Good Night Moon one
more- or 20 more!- times.

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