Oral Language

Relate to real life. If your toddler has a toy bunny, bring it out. Point to and name, or have your toddler show you, the bunny’s body parts — ears, feet, tail, etc. Encourage your toddler to make the bunny hop. 

Introduce the book. Find a cozy spot to sit with your toddler and introduce the book, looking at the front cover of the book together. Ask your child to touch the bunny on the front cover. Sweep your finger under the words as you read the title of the book.

Oral Language

Make the story interactive. Have your child find pictures, repeat words or use her toy bunny to imitate the actions. After you read a sentence, encourage your child to find and touch a picture. Acknowledge your child’s attempt to respond and add words to her actions. For example: 

“Where is the bunny, Angela? Yes, you put your finger on the fuzzy white bunny. Look — here is the yellow tub. Can you touch the yellow tub? Can you say yellow? Let’s make your toy bunny hop into the yellow tub. Hop, hop, splash!”

Read the words with drama and vary the tone of your voice for action or descriptive words.

Ask “how” and “where” questions to get your little one talking.

Oral Language

Reenact the story. Find boxes, bowls or baskets of different colors. Have your toddler reenact the story by having her toy bunny hop from one basket to another.

Hop like a bunny! Make bunny ears for your toddler and put them on her head. Use different colored tape and create shapes on the floor. Encourage your toddler to hop into a colored shape, like a bunny.

Beginning Writing

Paint! Gather white paper, three brushes and tempera paints (red, yellow and blue). Encourage your toddler to dip a brush into the paint and put on the white paper. Talk about the colors you see and the colors that appear as the paints mix. Hang the picture for all to see!

Find more at-home activities designed to strengthen pre-reading skills in your 1-year-old, or discover more recommended children's books and reading guides.