Does Your Kindergartner Struggle with Beginning Reading Skills?
Ball Begins With B!
The Cow That Went OINK
Leo is a little lightning bug who is teased by his friends because he has not yet learned to “light.” His mother is very encouraging and tells him that with practice, he will succeed. So, taking his mother’s advice, Leo goes off to a dark cave where he is determined to master his own light. This recommended children's book is a delightful story of perseverance and believing in oneself. The audiobook is an entertaining one your child is sure to enjoy.
Letter Knowledge and Oral Language
Introduce the book. Read the title of the story, using your finger to track under the words from left to right. Look at the pictures on the cover. Ask your child what he thinks this story might be about. You might also ask:
“What time of day is portrayed on the cover? How do you know? Thinking about the title of the book, what do you think the lights are that the lightning bug sees outside his window?”
Oral Language
Listen to the audiobook. Sit with your child and listen to the audiobook that comes with the book. Have your child listen and turn each page when he hears the chime.
Ask questions after the story. You might ask:
“Leo was upset during the story. Can you tell me why Leo was upset? Were Leo’s friends helpful? Why or why not? Who helped Leo feel better? Can you think of a time when someone helped you and made you feel better?”
Beginning Writing
Draw a picture. Ask your child to think about his favorite part of the story. Then provide unlined paper and crayons and ask your child to draw a picture of it. Encourage your child to label the things in his picture with a word or just the first letter of a word. For example, if he draws a lightning bug, ask what letter "lightning bug" starts with, and encourage your child to print the letter L next to the lightning bug.
Explore more beginning writing activities for 4-year-olds, or take the Reading BrightStart! Preschool Reading Screener. The Preschool Reading Screener can help you determine if your child is on the path to reading success, and delivers instant results and a plan for moving forward.