Letter Knowledge 

To build your child’s print awareness skills, take her on a picture walk of the book. It’s easy; turn through the pages (without reading) and explore the characters and pictures in the story. This will help her understand that books are read from the front to the back of the book, and how pictures can help her make sense of the story.

Begin by introducing the author and illustrator on the front cover and explaining what each contributes to the story. Then, explore each page as you discuss the images with your child.

You might say:

"Have you ever seen a cow? Tell me more about it." or "Where might we find a cow?"

Continue with a variety of questions about the pictures until you have reached the end of the book.

Oral Language

As you read the story, emphasize the predictable patterns of words and phrases in the book. Encourage your child to read along and say the words with you.

Here’s an example of a repetitive sentence that she will hear over and over in the book: 

 “They say what they (say) in their own silly (way),

when they say what they (say) with their sounds every (day).”

Phonological Awareness 

If your child is able to hear rhyming word pairs in the story, encourage her to listen closely and identify the words that have the same ending sounds. For example: moo/who, roar/more and meow/now.

Oral Language

If your child enjoys this story, make plans to read it over and over again. Each time, add a different activity that will allow her to play a part in the retelling of the story. For example, you could allow her to act out the story during the second reading. She might read the story to you during the third reading. These are great ways to build listening, speaking and reading comprehension skills.

Phonological Awareness

Once you and your child have finished reading the story, think about some other animals that could have been included in the illustrations. Playfully engage her in a discussion about these animals, where they live and the sounds they make. 

Next, help her create a song to the tune of Wheels on the Bus. You might sing:

The gator in the swamp says

chomp, chomp, chomp

chomp, chomp, chomp

chomp, chomp, chomp.

The gator in the swamp says

chomp, chomp, chomp

All Day Long!

Have fun with this activity! Add movement and multiple verses to get your child playing with language.

Try these At-Home Activities for more fun with rhyming:

• Rhyme Time Cleanup
• Fun Rhyming With Books

Explore more recommended children's books and at-home reading activities for 3-year-olds, or take the Nemours Children’s Reading BrightStart! Preschool Reading Screener. The screener can help you determine if your child is on the path to reading readiness and provides a free plan for moving forward.