Oral Language

Hand the book to your child and let him handle it on his own. Observe what draws his attention and ask him about it. For example:

“That’s the back of the book, Roman. What do you see?

Where do you think the baby is? What is the baby doing?

Can you turn the book over? This is the front of the book.

Here is the title of the book. The name of this book is Yummy Yucky.

What do you see on the cover? Do you think that food is yummy or yucky? Why? What do you think this book will be about?”

Letter Knowledge

Read the title of the book, sweeping your finger under the words. Bring your child’s attention to the uppercase letter Y. Here are some things you might say:

“Look Roman, this is the uppercase letter Y. Can you say Y?

The letter Y makes the /y/ sound. Can you say /y/?

The word yummy begins with the letter Y, /y/ /y/ yummy, /y/ /y/ Y. Can you say that with me? /y//y/ yummy /y/ /y/ Y.

Can you find another uppercase letter Y on the front cover of this book? Look, here is the letter Y in the word yucky. Let’s say that together /y/ /y/ yucky, /y/ /y/Y. We can look for more letter Ys in the book.”

Phonological Awareness

As you read the word “yummy” add a motion. Rub your tummy while extending the word “Yuummy.” Encourage your child to imitate you. For example:

• “Can you rub your tummy and say: /y/ /y/ yuummy?”

• Scrunch your nose and use a silly voice when your read “yucky” and say /y/ /y/ yucky. Have him imitate you.

• Find other words that begin with the same sound and bring them to his attention.  Say the words together to emphasize the same sound (soup and soap, cookies and coffee).

Oral Language

As you read, ask him questions that relate to his life. Are there some things in the book he likes? Are there some that he may have tasted or may have seen before? Ask why certain things are not for eating. Listen attentively to what he has to say and respond to his comments.  

Print Awareness

Oral Language

Ask questions that will help him recall events from the story. Ask him what his favorite part of the story was. Go back to that page in the book and look at the details in the picture. Talk about what you see.

Prepare a snack of items to taste and categorize as either yummy or yucky. For example, you might offer an orange slice and a lemon slice, cucumber and a pickle, sugar and salt, grape and an olive. Be creative but be sure that all items are safe to taste.     

Beginning Writing

Gather two sheets of paper and some crayons to make “Yummy” and “Yucky” drawings.

• Write the word “yummy” on one page with a big smiley face. Invite him to draw some yummy things on that page. Talk to him as he is drawing and ask him to tell you about what he is doing.
• Next, write the word “yucky” on the other page with a face showing a frown. Invite him to draw pictures of things he thinks are yucky.
• You can hang it on the refrigerator and encourage him to add more drawings as he tastes something new.  

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