Turning Pages

Your Child Will Learn

How to turn book pages one at a time (and explore a book on their own)

Here’s What to Do

1. Read a board book with me (one with thick cardboard pages). Encourage me to turn one page at a time.
2. If I’m having a difficult time turning one page at a time, try modifying a book:
   • Add sticky note tabs to pages, and show me how to lift the tab to turn the page
   • Trim the page edges in one of my books to make the pages progressively wider
   • Add felt to alternating board book pages, which keeps the pages apart a bit
3. Every time we read a book together, encourage me to practice turning the pages.
4. Let me explore books and practice turning pages independently. If I’m too rough with the books, show me how to be more gentle.

Put PEER Into Action

PAUSE

• Snuggle up in a special reading spot.

ENGAGE

• “Time to go to the next page, can you help me turn the page?”
• “Try lifting one at a time. Like this” (demonstrate).

ENCOURAGE

• If I need help, lift the page halfway and encourage me to finish.
• “Ooops! We have to treat our books carefully. The way you were turning pages, you were about to rip the paper. Try it this way instead.”

REFLECT

• Can we remember to practice page turning every time we read?

Not Quite Ready

Encourage independent page turning, even if I turn multiple pages at once or go through the book backwards.

Ready for More

Encourage me to select and page through books on my own.

As Your Child Masters This Skill

They will be able to turn one book page at a time and will treat books with care.

Time to Complete

5-10 minutes

Materials Needed

Board books (with cardboard pages)

(Optional) sticky notes, felt and glue, scissors