Oral Language

Take a look at the front cover of the book. As you read the title, track the letters with your finger and explain to your child that the title is the name of the book. Take this time to also introduce what an author is and say the name of the author; repeat this when explaining who the illustrator is and what the illustrator does.

Have your child identify what he sees on the front cover. Provide some guiding questions if he is just learning how to say complete sentences: 

“What is this? Oh, it’s a truck? I think you’re right, it’s a crane truck! What is he doing? Why is he sleeping?”

Oral Language

This book provides a lot of new vocabulary words. Since you know your child best, try to take time to provide a definition for a word you think is brand new for him. For example, after reading a sentence containing the word “boom,” you can explain to your child what a boom is. If it is an action word, such as “churning” or “yawning,” you can act them out as you say them.

You can also identify words that he knows and ask him what the word is or what it means, such as “dizzy.” You might ask him to recall a time when he felt dizzy and why. Providing opportunities for a conversation during a book reading is a great exercise to expand your child’s oral language skills.

Phonological Awareness

Now is a great time to introduce the concept of rhyming. Your little one is just learning how to manipulate the sounds in language and is probably able to exchange short phrases with you. Rhyming is a skill that takes time to master, so use this opportunity to explain what rhyming is and what it means. For every few pages, point out two words that rhyme.

Letter knowledge

Start with your child’s name. Focus on the first letter of your child’s name and search for that letter in the book. Show the letter to your child, name it and say the sound.

For example, you might say:

“Here is the letter R. It makes a /r/ sound like /r/ /r/ Roman! Your name starts with the letter R and the sound, /r/. Let’s see if we can find more letter R’s in here!”

As you find the letter, have your child say the letter name and letter sound. Perhaps he would want to find them on his own and show you!

Beginning Writing

Provide some paper and crayons for your child. Have your child draw and color his favorite truck from the story. You can join in on the fun and draw your favorite truck as well. 

Explore more recommended children's books for two-year-olds, or find an at-home activity to help build important pre-reading skills.