Oral Language

Explain that this story is about Jazzy, who is a lemur. You might say that a lemur is an animal that often lives in a zoo and has a long, black and white tail. Encourage your child to touch Jazzy’s arms, legs, tail or eyes. Ask him what he thinks will happen in the story. 

Encourage him to role play and to talk about the animals he recognizes. Pause when you get to the last word in a sentence, point to the picture, and let him finish. Invite him to imitate the familiar animals in the pictures. You might say:

“Not here, says ________.” (Point to the picture of the snake) 

“Can you wiggle your arm and make a snake sound?”

“Not here says, ________.” (Point to the picture of the tiger) 

“Can you show your claws and roar like a tiger?”   

Let him turn the pages and lift the flaps. Continue bringing the pictures to his attention and asking questions, such as:

“How do you think Mama Jo Jo is feeling when she can’t find Jazzy? Where would you hide if you were Jazzy?”

Phonological Awareness

Say the names of the animals slowly as you tap two wooden spoons to create a jungle rhythm. Tap one beat for each syllable. You might say:

“Let’s say the names of the animals while I tap with these jungle sticks.”

“Jaz … zy, Jaz … zy” (tap two times each time you say the name)

Jo … Jo, Jo … Jo

Ant … ea … ter, ant … ea … ter” (tap three times each time you name the animal)

“Cro … co … dile, cro … co … dile.”   

Continue with other animal names. You might change places and give your child the jungle sticks to tap as you both say the animal names. 

Beginning Writing

Give your child dark green paper and some bright colored crayons to draw his version of a jungle picture. Talk to him as he draws, describing what you see him doing. Remember, the end result may just be scribbles on the page, but the process and experience deserve praise and acknowledgement!         

Explore more recommended children's books for 2-year-olds, or find an at-home activity to help build important pre-reading skills.