Letter Knowledge
Point out words on signs. Throughout the story, there are numerous trucks and signs with logos and words on them. Point out the words or letters on the vehicles and signs. For example, on the first page of the story, you might point to and read the sign “Jim’s Diner” and tell your child that Jim’s Diner is the name of the restaurant that this family owns. Point out the CLOSED sign on the door of the restaurant and talk about how the family is coming to open their restaurant. On the next page, bring your child’s attention to the little boy changing the sign to say OPEN. By pointing out the signs and the words on them, you help your child to understand that words carry messages and meaning, an important print awareness concept.
As you read each page, you might also point out the first letter of your child’s name when you come across it.
Oral Language
Introduce new vocabulary. You might go to a children’s dictionary to find simple definitions to share with your child. For example, the Merriam-Webster definition for “sizzle” is to make a hissing sound like the sound water makes when it hits hot metal. Model a hissing sound for sizzling and ask your child to imitate you. Another vocabulary example might be the word “whooshing.” The Merriam-Webster definition for whooshing is the sound made by something that is moving quickly. Make a “whooshing” sound and ask your child to imitate you.
