Every Child Ready to Read--Just Talk!

This month's library programs for children are concentrating on teaching children Narrative Skills, which is being able to describe things and events and tell stories. When children are learning to read, this essential early literacy skill will help them remember what they read.

• The first step in helping your child develop this skill is to talk with him. Narrate your day. "First we will do this, then we will go here." and so on. Ask your child about her day, too.
• Ask your child questions--engage in a two way conversation, even with a very young child. Always allow time for your child to answer--count to 5 before you answer for him. You may not understand all your child is saying, but he is using words to express what is happening!
• Use the pictures in a book to encourage conversation, too. Ask a young child to point to various objects on a page. But ask open ended questions, too. "How do you think the boy in the picture is feeling? Do you remember feeling that way? What happened?"
• All this talk helps your child develop more vocabulary words, too! She is also learning that things happen in a certain sequence--first, middle, and last.
• Encourage your child to act out some of the books you read to him She might use stuffed animals or puppets. Or maybe the two of you can make props such as stick puppets to help tell stories.
• In Storytime the children made some stand up farm animals. In the picture she is wearing hers. But first she talked a little about them--and made their animals sounds too! She will also be able to use them to retell parts of farm animal stories. You can do something like this at home. And as always, have fun!!! A child who enjoys reading and related activities will want to learn to read!
• Click here for the types of books to look for that will help you teach Narrative Skills and also for a list of recommended books.