Oral Language

Before reading the book, gather a few of the articles of clothing shown in the book. Put the clothing on your baby as you name each item. Then, you might say:

"Touch your hat. What’s under your hat?
Touch your pants. What’s under your pants?"

Oral Language

Help your baby take the clothing off as you read the story. Name the article of clothing while you point to the picture. 

Touch your baby’s body parts as you turn the flaps in the book to reveal what is underneath. Repeat the words for your baby and encourage him to name the body parts with you. 

Phonological Awareness

Help teach body parts by singing Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes. At this age, your child may not be able to do the movements to the song. If necessary, help him touch the body parts as you sing.

"Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes, Knees and Toes,
Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes, Knees and Toes,
Eyes and Ears and Mouth and Nose,
Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes, Knees and Toes!"

Follow your child’s lead and repeat the song as long as he is interested. For added fun, you might sing it at a normal tempo the first time and then sing it very slowly the next time. 

For more fun learning about body parts, check out these books: 

• Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes
• Whose Knees are These?
• Whose Toes are Those?

Learn more about the importance of pre-reading skills as your baby grows and find more easy activities to help strengthen these skills in your 6- to 11-month-old.