- Turns paper pages in books
- Imitates movements such as “flying” like a bird or “jumping” like a frog
- Scribbles on paper, making circular scribbles and lines
- Crosses the center of the body with one hand when scribbling — until a child can do this, he will switch hands to scribble on the left or right side of the writing surface
Pre-Reading Milestones for 24 Months to 35 Months
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- Talks using phrases and short sentences of three or more words
- Understands many words, phrases and simple questions, such as, “Where is Mommy?”
- Recites phrases or stories from his favorite book
- Will “fill in the blank” when you leave off the last word or phrase of a familiar story or rhyme
- Corrects you if you read the story wrong — won’t let you skip any words or pages, or say the wrong word (you can make this into a game when reading with your child)
- Chooses to play and pretend with books by reading books on his own
- Likes to listen to stories with rhymes and word patterns that are repeated
- Keep building daily routines around books. Make the library a regular part of your routine.
- Bring audio books on outings away from home or download children’s books on your phone or tablet to listen to when waiting in lines or at doctors’ offices.
- Be willing to read the same book over and over to build your child’s vocabulary and memory.
- Ask your child questions about a story, such as what will happen next, how a character might feel or how the story relates to your child’s life.
- Talk with your child using new vocabulary, longer sentences and simple questions during conversation — “How old are you?” “Do you have a doggie?” “Go get Daddy’s shoes in the kitchen.”
- Tape large pieces of unlined paper to a flat surface for drawing.
- Use the sidewalk or driveway for scribbling with chalk or paint with a paintbrush and bucket of water.
- Does not speak in sentences — continues to use single words instead of phrases (“milk” instead of “want milk” or “I want milk”)
- Does not have conversations — does not answer simple questions or make eye contact to keep a brief conversation going
- Seems to be “in his own world” — does not interact socially much at all, stays to himself when others are around, does not point and talk to get another person’s shared attention
- Does not hold toys well with either hand — has trouble using fingers to grasp small objects, preferring to use the palm of the hand instead
- Has problems walking and running smoothly — looks very awkward or clumsy, gets feet tangled up more than other kids of the same age