Why turning a page in a book is not as simple as it looks

Your toddler might already be a master page turner – but sometimes toddlers, in their enthusiasm to turn the page, can be a bit rough. If you’re wondering why your toddler can’t just turn the page carefully it might be interesting to know the skills that go into getting to the next page.  

Turning a page in a book or magazine is not something we think about unless we come across a couple of pages that are stuck together or we’re looking at a particularly delicate or precious book. 

Once you stop to think, you see it is more complicated than it seems. Before your toddler can turn a page – with just the right amount of force – there are a few skills they need to master.  

Fine motor skills 

Your toddler needs to have mastered a pincer grip to hold the page. 

Gross motor movements 

Your toddler will move their arm to turn the page, and turning a page in a book involves crossing the midline (moving their arm across the centre of their body). This takes practice. 

Coordination 

Your toddler will use each hand differently when turning the page of a book. They will use one hand as a ‘helping hand’ to hold the book still as they use their other hand to turn the page.  

Proprioception (body awareness) 

Your toddler needs to control the force they use when turning a page to do this smoothly and without tearing the page, so they need to have developed awareness and control of their body.