Is your child an early reader or reluctant to read? Reading is key to your child's success in school and adulthood. At A Mother's Love Learning Center, we implement the first stage of reading, Reading the Pictures of a Book once our children begin speaking. Reading the pictures of a book will build your child's literacy and confidence in his or her ability to navigate and understand the concepts of the book. As parents, you play a very important role in helping your child develop as a reader.
Steps to Help Your Child Read the Pictures of a Book
Step 1: Show your child the cover of the book. Point out what is seen on the cover of the book.
For example: "I see a black girl who is a doctor. It looks like the Snowman may be sick. It looks like this book is going to be about this doctor helping the Snowman get better. Can you tell me what is going to happen on the next page?"
Step 2: Ask Your Child to Tell You the Next Page of the Story
Encourage your child to tell you the story based on what is seen in the pictures. As he or she reads ask, “What do you think is happening here? Tell what you see.
Example: "I see the doctor with a bandage." What do you think she is going to do with the bandage? These types of questions should be asked on every page until you have completed the book.
Step 3: Allow Your Child's Mind to Continue the Story
Reading the pictures doesn't have to stop at the end of the story. Allow your child's mind to extend the story by asking questions such as, " What if the fell off of the Snowman? What else can the doctor use to make the Snowman feel better?" This is a great way to challenge your child to make up his or her own ending. When you do this you strengthen your child's ability to understand and creativity skills. We recommend having your child draw an alternate ending to help bring their ending to life.
Reading the pictures of a book is a great way to jump start your child's love for books. It also allows you both time to connect over reading. Do you currently read the pictures with your child? If so, give us a few that you've read in the comments below. Feel free to share any reading tips you have as well. Happy Reading!
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