Your Child Will Learn
To focus on a book and begin to make connections between books and the real world
Here’s What to Do
- Pick out a board book and settle into your reading spot.
- Before opening the book, read the title to your baby and tell them what the book is about.
- While reading, connect the story in the book to experiences you’ve had with your baby, or to other books you’ve read together.
- When you finish reading, enthusiastically say “All done!” or “The end!” and give your baby a hug or a kiss as you close the book.
Put PEER Into Action
PAUSE
- Hold your baby or sit them on your lap in your special reading place. Take a slow, deep breath before you begin.
ENGAGE
- “This book is about a dog. Remember when we saw a dog on our walk? His bark surprised you!”
- “I know how the girl in this story feels. I also feel sad when my ice cream falls on the ground.”
ENCOURAGE
- If your baby points to or grabs a page, describe what it is. It’s okay to let your baby hold the book and turn the pages in the wrong order. Talk about what your child is interested in.
- Repeat and expand on your baby’s sounds: “Gah gah, yeah, that’s a panda you see in the book.”
REFLECT
- Share any other connections you can make between this book and things you have done or seen with your baby.
Not Quite Ready
Don’t worry if your baby doesn’t have the attention span to make it through a whole book yet. It’s a skill they’ll learn as they get older and you keep practicing.
Ready for More
Read a picture book with your child and point out some of the emotions the characters are having.
As Your Child Masters This Skill
They will be able to focus on a book that’s read to them and may begin to make connections between a book and the real world.
Time to Complete
15 minutes
Materials Needed
A board book