Your Child Will Learn
About the important part of books (like the cover, pages, pictures, and words).
Here’s What to Do
- Set out some books that will gain the interest of your child (soft books, books with textures, board books, picture books, lift-the-flap books).
- Place your child in front of the books. See what they move to or let them choose the book if they can.
- Hold your child or sit next to them as you read the book; allow them to hold one half of the book and turn the pages if they can.
- Begin by talking about the title, the author and illustrator, and read those out loud. Show them the parts of the book like the cover, spine, and pages. As you read, point out the pictures and words on the pages.
Put PEER Into Action
PAUSE
- Sit with your child in a quiet place, free from distraction; position yourself and the child so that you both can see the book and interact while reading.
ENGAGE
- “This here is the title, it’s the name of the book. The title of this book is…”
- The words here say “Hello, Spot!” and this picture is a picture of Spot the dog.
ENCOURAGE
- Model how to turn pages slowly and gently; give them multiple opportunities to practice this.
- Respond to your child’s babbles/words and gestures while reading the book.
REFLECT
- Is your child starting to get the hang of what books are all about?
Not Quite Ready
If your child doesn’t want to sit through the whole book, that’s okay too. With practice and repetition, they will be able to extend their attention span.
Ready for More
Choose slightly longer books with more pictures and/or words and ask your child to identify what they see on the pages
As Your Child Masters This Skill
Ask your child to identify pictures on the pages, like: “Do you see the bunny? Where is it?”
Time to Complete
5-10 minutes
Materials Needed
Soft books, board books, picture books, texture books