Oral Language

Reading storybooks and looking at the pictures with your baby can help build the foundations for language and communication. Before you begin reading, take a moment to direct your baby’s attention to the front cover of the book.

Position her comfortably in your lap and hold the book approximately 12 inches away from her eyes. Direct her attention to the picture of the dog on the front cover. You might point to the picture and slowly say:

"Look! I see a dog! Her name is Bingo. She’s sitting up and listening for her name. Bingo!"

Foster your baby’s foundation for language development by exploring each page together. She’ll enjoy listening over and over to the rhyming pattern and the familiar melody as you put the words to music. Draw her attention to the colorful and interesting print format by pointing to the letters that depict Bingo’s name.

Letter Knowledge

Sing to the melody of the favorite childhood song B-I-N-G-O! As you sing, point to each of the large, brightly colored letters on the page. Before turning the page, wait for a few seconds to see if your baby responds to you by gesturing or pointing to the letters or pictures.

When you are reading or singing the words and pointing to the letters, use a slow pace so that your baby has plenty of time to listen and respond by pointing, moving her body to the rhythm of your voice or even vocalizing.

Expand the story by commenting on the illustrations that show the many positions Bingo finds herself in. For example, you might say:

"Look at Bingo! She’s sleeping on the letter G!"

or

"Silly Bingo! She’s laying on her back with her paws in the air!"

Phonological Awareness

Expose your baby to the sounds of our language to help develop her listening skills. The popular children’s song B-I-N-G-O follows a familiar sound pattern that is fun and engaging. 

There was a farmer, had a dog and Bingo was her name-o.

B-I-N-G-O (clap five times — once for each of the letters in the name),

B-I-N-G-O,

B-I-N-G-O,

And Bingo was her name-o!

Try replacing Bingo’s name with your baby’s name and follow the same tune and hand clapping sequence.

There was a Mommy who had a child and Riley was her name-o.

R-I-L-E-Y,

R-I-L-E-Y,

R-I-L-E-Y,

And Riley was her name-o!

Find more recommended children’s books for toddlers 12 to 17 months, or find an easy at-home activity designed to strengthen pre-reading skills in your toddler.