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AMERICA READS CHALLENGE
READY SET READ
FOR FAMILIES
Early Childhood Language Activities
for Children from Birth through Age Five
A Joint Project of the Corporation for national Service,
the U.S. Department of Education, and
the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Corporation for national Service
Harris P. Wofford
Chief Executive Officer
U.S. Department of Education
Richard W. Riley
Secretary
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Donna E. Shalala
Secretary
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This booklet for families of children from birth through age five was developed by the
Americorps Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center as a project of the Corporation for
national Service; the U.S. Department of Education; and the Child Care Bureau, Administration
on Children, Youth, and Families, Administration for Children and Families of the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services.
We wish to acknowledge Derry Koralek as the principal author of this volume, with
assistance from Ray Collins and Betty McLeod of the Americorps Early Childhood Technical
Assistance Center; Margaret McLaughlin and Jim Ekstrom of the Corporation for national
Service; and Pat McKee, Alan Ginsburg, Adriana de Kanter, Val Plisko, Susan Thompson-
Hoffman, Manny Smith, Brenda Long, Jessica Ellsworth, and Corey Chatis of the U.S.
Department of Education.
Others who assisted in the production of this booklet include Anne Goldstein, Director,
national Child Care Information Center; Jewel Bazillo-Bellegarde, Corporation for national
Service; and Joan Lombardi, Jennifer Chang, and Lillian Sugarman of the Child Care Bureau.
We also wish to acknowledge the graphic design work of Eve Guianan and Loren Holtkamp of
Books and Beyond, with production oversight by Ellie Topolovac and Sue Holtkamp of Books
and Beyond.
Contents
Dear Family Member
2
Getting to Know you: Activities for Young Babies
(Birth to 8 Months old)
4
Enjoying Our Company: Activities for Crawlers and Walkers
(8 to 18 Months Old)
12
Talking About Me: Activities for Toddlers
(18 to 36 Months old)
20
Using Language to Learn: Activities for Preschoolers
(3 to 5 Years old)
30
Reading and Writing Play Materials
40
American Library Association's Suggested Book List
for Young Readers
41
Resources
43
Dear Family Member:
Welcome to READY *SET*READ, an AMERICA READS CHALLENGE booklet that is filled
with activities and ideas that you can use to help your young children learn about language.
Families are their children's first teachers. As a family member you begin teaching your
babies about language as you welcome them into the world with smiles and caring words.
You respond to your children's coos, babbles, early words, and simple sentences. By the
time your children are preschoolers, they know a lot about language. You have spent many
hours listening, talking, reading, and writing with them.
Most of the activities in READY*SET*READ are simple to do with materials found in your
home or at the library. The activities can be added to your life at home as you and your
children play, work, and grow together.
The activities are presented for four age groups:
young Babies (Birth to 8 months)
Crawlers and Walkers (8 to 18 months)
Toddlers (18 to 36 months)
Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
The ideas for one age group may also work for a younger or older child. Using what you
know about your child's skills and interests can help you decide which activities to use. you
can read the section for one age group now and save the others for later.
Children learn about language when their families:
Listen and talk with their children a lot
Read out loud to their children every day
Keep reading and writing materials where children can reach them on their own
Show children how they use reading and writing to learn, have fun, and get jobs
done
Many children are early readers because they have learned from their families that reading
and writing are worthwhile and useful activities.
on the next page are some simple tips to help you teach your young children about listening,
speaking, reading, and writing. These basic, daily activities can make a difference in your
child's language growth.
1 In this booklet "families" refers to all of the adults who have nurturing relationships with a
child--a mother, father, grandparent, other relative, or close friend.
2
TIPS FOR FAMILIES AS THEIR
CHILDREN'S FIRST TEACHER
Talk with and listen to your children as you play and do daily activities
together.
Read with your children at a regular time every day and when they ask
you.
Take toddlers and preschoolers to the library so that they can choose
books to read at home. Find out about your library's special books and
services.
Create a special place in your home for your children to read and write.
Keep books and other reading materials where children can reach them.
Add new books often.
Keep writing materials such as washable, nontoxic crayons and markers,
paints and brushes, and different kinds of paper where your children can
reach them.
Take books and writing materials for your children with you whenever you
leave home, so that they can read or write at the doctor's office, on the
bus, and in the car.
Show your children how you read and write every day to have fun and to
get things done.
Point out to your children the printed words in your home and in the
community.
Encourage your children to do things for themselves when they are ready.
Let them feed and dress themselves, and clean up after themselves even
if these tasks take more time and are not done perfectly.
3
GETTING TO KNOW YOU:
ACTIVITIES
FOR
YOUNG
BABIES
(Birth to 8 Months Old)
WHAT DO YOUNG BABIES DO?
Cry, make other sounds, and move their bodies.
Listen and respond to the sounds and voices around them.
Coo, gurgle, laugh, and babble to themselves and others.
Enjoy listening to stories.
Smile when people smile at them.
Respond to their names.
Take turns while singing and playing with another person.
Pick up objects with their fingers and thumbs.
Move objects from one hand to the other.
5
HOW DO YOUNG BABIES LEARN?
Katie is in the bathtub splashing in the
water with both hands. Her father sits on
the floor next to the tub making sure she is
safe. "Katie, Katie," he says as he picks up a
washcloth. "Are you ready to play our
special game?"
Katie looks up and sees her father's smiling
face. She smiles at him and laughs. He
says, "Let's play Peek-a-Boo," and puts a
washcloth in front of his face. Katie
reaches out and pats the top of his head.
Her father says, "Peek-a-Boo, Katie, I can't see you." He lowers the washcloth so his eyes are
no longer covered. Katie squeals with delight. He covers his eyes again and says, "Peek-a-
Boo, Katie, I still can't see you."
Katie's father holds the washcloth out toward her, saying, "Your turn, Katie." She takes the
washcloth from his hand and puts it in front of her face. Her father says, "Where's Katie?"
Katie drops the washcloth in the water and splashes with her hands. She babbles to her
father, "Dadadada. Babababa." He says, "I think you're saying that you're tired of playing
Peek-a-Boo. Let's play with your sponges."
Like many young babies, Katie is
Katie's father helps her learn
learning about language:
about language:
She knows that it's fun to play with
He talks with her during a daily
another person.
activity--bathtime.
She looks up when her father says
He says her name again and again so
her name.
that she will learn to recognize it.
She smiles when her father smiles at
He takes several turns in their game
her.
and then encourages her to take a
turn.
He responds to her babbles as if he
knows what she is saying.
6
ACTIVITIES AND IDEAS FOR YOUNG BABIES
AGE
ACTIVITIES
YOUNG BABIES:
Listening and Talking
BIRTH TO 8
Young babies make sounds and move their bodies.
MONTHS OLD
Listen and talk to your baby throughout the day. Get to know
the meaning of your baby's cries and gestures. Listen to the
sounds the baby makes and watch the way the baby's body
moves.
Take your time while feeding, diapering, and bathing your
baby. Sing songs, say nursery rhymes, and smile and COO back
at the baby's smiles and coos. In this way your baby will learn
that you think what he or she says is important and that
people take turns when talking with each other.
How to help your baby's caregiver:
Tell your caregiver how your baby communicates with the family.
Explain the meaning of your baby's cries, babbles, gestures, and
words. Ask the caregiver to tell you how your baby expresses
his or her wants and needs.
7
AGE
ACTIVITIES
YOUNG BABIES:
Young babies listen to the sounds and voices around them.
BIRTH TO 8
Talk to your baby about what you both are doing and what he
MONTHS OLD
or she sees and hears. "I see you looking at your mobile. I'll
touch it gently to make the faces move back and forth."
Tell your baby through your words and actions how much he
or she is loved and valued.
Give your baby simple directions with words and gestures.
Point, look toward something, or hold out your hand while
talking to the baby. Ask, "Are you hot?" Then, lift up your
arms and say, "Please lift up your arms so I can take off your
sweater."
B
A
is
x
x
yes
x
8
AGE
ACTIVITIES
YOUNG BABIES:
Reading
BIRTH TO 8
MONTHS OLD
Young babies like being close to their families.
Many people say you should start reading to your baby at birth.
Even though your baby doesn't understand your words, he or she
loves to sit on your lap, hear your voice, and have special time
with just you. you will feel relaxed and the baby will learn to
think of reading as a pleasant activity.
Let your baby set the pace for your reading times. When the
baby loses interest in reading, play a game, or do something else
together.
How to help your baby's caregiver:
Tell your caregiver about your baby's favorite books and show your
caregiver the words to songs and rhymes in your home language, so
that your baby can feel secure at home and at child care.
Young babies use all their senses to learn.
Babies are likely to crumple, shake, and chew books just as they
do with other things. Look for soft cloth or vinyl books that can
be washed.
Choose books with simple, large pictures or designs set against a
solid background on each page. Ask your librarian to suggest
books for babies, and look for children's books in good condition
at yard sales and neighborhood bazaars.
q
AGE
ACTIVITIES
YOUNG BABIES:
Developing Muscles For Writing
BIRTH TO 8
MONTHS OLD
Young babies are learning to use their hands and fingers.
Help your baby develop hand and finger muscles. Place a simple
rattle in your 3-month-old baby's hand. Hold out a sponge for your
5-month-old to grab. Give your 8-month-old a piece of paper to
crumple.
Encourage your baby when he or she tries to do things such as
pulling off socks and holding a bottle while sitting in your lap.
Play with your baby. Shake a rattle then hand it to the baby to have
a turn shaking it. Hold out your hand so that the baby can hand the
rattle back to you.
How to help your baby's caregiver:
Ask your caregiver what toys and materials your baby plays with at
child care. Discuss often the new things your baby is learning to do
without help at home and at child care.
10
AGE
ACTIVITIES
YOUNG BABIES:
Young babies are learning that they can make things happen.
BIRTH TO 8
MONTHS OLD
Watch your baby to see what he or she likes to do. Provide play
materials that match the baby's skills and interests. Offer toys the
baby can use to make noise, such as plastic keys on a ring to hold
and shake, soft toys that squeak when squeezed, a wooden spoon
to hold and bang on the floor.
A cradle gym tied to a crib or playpen will encourage your baby to
reach out and try to touch the items and make them move. Remove
the cradle gym when the baby gets strong enough to pull it down.
11
ENJOYING OUR COMPANY:
ACTIVITIES
FOR
CRAWLERS AND WALKERS
(8 to 18 Months Old)
WHAT DO CRAWLERS AND WALKERS DO?
Use sounds and gestures to say hello or get attention.
Point at things they want.
Say a few simple words.
Like rhymes and simple songs.
Enjoy reading with a favorite person.
Turn the pages in sturdy cardboard books.
Put objects such as nesting cups inside each other.
Fill containers with water or small objects, then dump them out.
Hold large crayons and make marks on paper.
13
HOW DO CRAWLERS AND WALKERS LEARN?
Marcus picks up a book with cardboard pages and
a duck on the cover. He puts the book in his
mouth for a moment, then waves it in the air.
Marcus looks at his big sister, Maria, and makes
noises that sound a lot like words. Maria says, "Do
you want to read? Bring the book to me. We can
read together."
with book in hand, Marcus crawls to Maria. She
lifts Marcus into her tap and holds the book so
that he can see it. She points to the duck on the
cover, "That's a duck. Let's see what's inside."
Marcus turns the page. He pats the picture and says something that sounds like words.
"That's right," says Maria. "The baby is in the bathtub."
After looking at a few more pages, Marcus squirms and wiggles. "Okay," says Maria. "Have
you read enough? Let me help you down." She puts Marcus on the floor and he crawls away.
Like many other crawlers and
Marcus's sister. Maria, helps him
walkers. Marcus is learning about
learn about language:
language:
She responds to his sounds and
He knows that people will respond to
actions as if he were saying words.
his sounds and actions.
She lets him turn the pages of the
He thinks it's fun to look at books with
book.
another person.
She talks to him about what he seems
He knows how to wait for his turn
to be saying.
while talking and reading with his
sister.
She lets him find something else to do
when he has lost interest in reading.
14
ACTIVITIES AND IDEAS
FOR CRAWLERS AND WALKERS
AGE
ACTIVITIES
CRAWLERS AND
Listening and Talking
WALKERS: 8 TO 18
Crawlers and walkers are learning that it's fun to be with other
MONTHS OLD
people.
Help your baby learn about taking turns the way people do when
they talk with each other. Sing songs and play games such as
Peek-a-Boo, hiding the toy under the blanket, and handing
objects back and forth. At first you may have to take more
turns than the baby does.
When your baby babbles, talk back. Make the same sounds the
baby makes or teach new ones.
Respond when your baby wants to play a familiar game: "Oh
good, you brought me the ball. Let's sit down and roll it on the
carpet."
Crawlers and walkers use gestures and actions to "talk" to you.
Respond when your baby shakes his or her head, points to
something out of reach, or lifts his or her arms. Talk about
what the baby seems to want to say. "Do you want to get out of
my lap? Here's a wet cloth so you can wipe your hands."
name the things your baby points to. "That's a muffin. Do you
want a muffin?" Say the words for feelings and actions. "Aunt
nikki is funny, isn't she?" "I saw you climb up the stairs."
How to help your baby's caregiver:
Tell the caregiver about the gestures your baby uses to ask
questions, make requests, say hello, and get someone's attention.
Ask the caregiver to tell you the words and phrases your baby
seems to understand.
15
AGE
ACTIVITIES
CRAWLERS AND
Crawlers and walkers learn to say a few words.
WALKERS: 8 TO 18
Show your excitement when your baby begins to talk. Talk with
MONTHS OLD
your baby about the names of objects, actions, and feelings.
Look at and listen to things together with your baby. Talk about
what you see and hear. "See the bird. She's flying up to her
nest in the tree. Do you hear the truck? I'll lift you up to the
window so you can see it."
Listen carefully to your baby's tone of voice. The baby may use
the same word to mean different things. For example:
Alphonso stands at the window looking
outside. He asks, "Sandy?" Grandma says
what she thinks Alphonso means, "Where
did Sandy go?" Then Grandma answers his
question, "Sandy went outside."
Let your baby know that you think books and reading are fun.
Comment when you see your baby "reading." "Is the monkey in
your book taking a bath? Does he splash in the water the way
you do?"
16
AGE
ACTIVITIES
CRAWLERS AND
Reading
WALKERS: 8 TO 18
MONTHS OLD
Crawlers and walkers can join in during story times.
Read with your baby every day. Babies enjoy short, simple
stories, rhymes, and songs. Read the same books over and
over, and also read new ones. Because your baby probably
won't pay attention for long, it's best to read for a short while
many times during the day.
Point to the pictures and name the objects. Ask your baby to
point and name things, too. Smile, change your tone of voice,
nod, and make faces when you read. Your baby will have fun
copying your words and actions.
Let your baby choose the books and set the pace for reading.
Read books with thick, cardboard pages SO that the baby can
turn the pages. you don't have to look at every page, read the
whole page, or finish the book at one sitting.
How to help your baby's caregiver:
Volunteer to help the caregiver make a book about the things
babies do at child care. Paste photographs or simple drawings on
cardboard, cover with clear adhesive paper, punch holes in the
cover and finished pages, and bind with a piece of string. Make
new books during the year.
Crawlers and walkers like to look at books on their own.
Provide books that appeal to your baby. Babies may like books
with simple drawings and photographs of familiar objects,
animals, and scenes from daily life such as taking a bath,
eating, or playing outdoors.
Store cardboard, cloth, and plastic books on low, open shelves
along with other safe toys. Encourage your baby to choose a
book to look at and help your baby return it to the shelf
afterwards.
17
AGE
ACTIVITIES
CRAWLERS AND
Developing Muscles For writing
WALKERS: 8 TO 18
MONTHS OLD
Crawlers and walkers can use their fingers, thumbs, and hands.
When your baby learns to move a bottle or a toy from one hand
to the other, hand a toy to the baby and say, "now give it back
to me."
Provide toys and household items that the baby can put together
and take apart, fit inside each other, or fill and empty (e.g.,
large plastic snap beads, a set of plastic measuring cups, or a
box filled with bean bags).
Encourage your baby's independence. When your baby can pick
up small objects with the index finger and thumb, offer finger
foods such as pieces of banana. Grasping food will build the
muscles in the baby's hands and fingers. your baby will feel
good about doing things without help. Allow the baby to pull off
socks and shoes, and give the baby a spoon to help feed him- or
herself.
How to help your baby's caregiver:
Ask the caregiver to suggest some inexpensive household items
that are safe play materials for crawlers and walkers.
8
18
AGE
ACTIVITIES
CRAWLERS AND
Crawlers and walkers can scribble with crayons and markers.
WALKERS: 8 TO 18
MONTHS OLD
Give your baby large, nontoxic crayons and large pieces of scrap
paper such as brown paper bags from the grocery store. At
first, babies often put the crayons in their mouths, but show
your baby how to use the crayons to make marks on paper.
Introduce large, nontoxic markers when your baby has learned
to keep crayons out of the mouth most of the time.
19
TALKING ABOUT ME:
ACTIVITIES
FOR
TODDLERS
(18 to 36 Months Old)
WHAT DO TODDLERS DO?
Learn new words every day.
Speak using groups of words ("ned go out").
Take turns while talking with people.
Ask many questions ("What that?").
name objects in picture books ("Ball").
Follow two-part directions ("Pick up the socks and put them in the basket.").
Say "no" and "not."
Copy adult voices and actions.
Follow simple stories.
Look at books on their own.
Join in when a book has rhymes and repeated words.
Scribble with crayons and washable markers.
21
HOW DO TODDLERS LEARN?
Rosa tugs on Ms. Vega's arm and says, "Wet."
Ms. Vega says, "Your diaper is wet. Let's go
change it."
Rosa lies down on the changing table. Ms.
Vega washes her hands and tells Rosa what
she is doing. "I'm washing away all the
germs so you will stay healthy. I'm taking
off your shorts. They're red, like your
sneakers." Rosa says, "Red sneakers."
Ms. Vega takes a diaper from the shelf. She replaces Rosa's wet diaper with a dry one. "All
done," says Ms. Vega. "Wash hands?" asks Rosa. "Yes," says Ms. Vega, "let's wash our
hands."
Rosa heads for the sink, singing. "This way, wash hands, wash hands, wash hands." Ms.
Vega sings along, then says, "Rosa, you learned a new song to sing." "Sing song," says Rosa.
Like many toddlers, Rosa is learning
Rosa's caregiver helps her learn
about language:
about language:
She communicates her needs using
She responds to Rosa's request by
groups of words.
answering with a group of words.
She repeats words she hears adults
She describes what she is doing and
speak.
names a color--red.
She learns a simple song.
She asks a simple question that Rosa
knows how to answer.
She asks questions.
She sings with Rosa, then
She answers questions.
congratulates her on learning the
song.
22
ACTIVITIES AND IDEAS FOR TODDLERS
AGE
ACTIVITIES
TODDLERS: 18
Listening and Talking
TO 36 MONTHS
OLD
Toddlers are learning to talk about the present, past, and future.
Young toddlers tend to talk about the present. "Me want cookie."
you can help your toddler learn new words to talk about what he
or she did in the past and will do in the future.
"Yesterday you went down the slide at the
park. That was fun."
"Tomorrow we're going to the store. You can
help push the cart."
Talk with your toddler about what happened during the day:
"You had a busy day. This morning, you and
Sam played in the sprinkler. you ate a peanut
butter sandwich for lunch. After your nap we
visited Poppy. What else did we do?"
Talk with your toddler about what you will do tomorrow. "I think
it's going to be sunny tomorrow. What would you like to do?"
How to help your toddler's caregiver:
Ask the caregiver what happened during the day. Talk to your
toddler about the day's events at child care white eating dinner or at
bedtime.
23
AGE
ACTIVITIES
TODDLERS: 18
Toddlers want to learn more about talking.
TO 36 MONTHS
OLD
Some toddlers learn new words and phrases rapidly. Others still
use gestures and sounds to tell their families what they want and
need. Talk and read with your toddler, name the things the
toddler points to, and tell the toddler the words he or she can
use to make requests. "Say, 'Milk, please'."
Most toddlers understand more words than they can say. Give
your toddler simple directions and praise the child for following
them:
"Please go to the bathroom and get your
hairbrush."
"Great! You got the brush. now you can
brush your hair."
24
AGE
ACTIVITIES
TODDLERS: 18
Toddlers use words to have fun and to learn.
TO 36 MONTHS
Play make-believe with your toddler. YOU can pretend to talk on
OLD
the phone, feed a doll or stuffed animal, or go shopping. Talk
while you play, and encourage your toddler to talk back:
"Brring, Brring. Hello. Yes, Todd's here.
Would you like to talk to him? Okay, I'll give
him the phone."
Offer props such as a doctor's kit to help your toddler talk about
her fears. She can be the doctor, while you are the patient. "Oh
good! That shot only hurt a little."
Say silly rhymes, such as, "The bed is on her head." Make up
nonsense words like, "It's time to skidaddle to bed." Add a new
verse to a song: "...and on his farm he had a pickle...
Ask your toddler silly questions to which the answer is "no"--one
of every toddler's favorite words. "Do puppies wear pajamas?" "Is
the sky green?"
25
AGE
ACTIVITIES
TODDLERS: 18
Reading
TO 36 MONTHS
OLD
Toddlers like listening to stories.
Have a special time for reading with your toddler every day. Some
families read after dinner or as a part of their bedtime routine.
Toddlers may want to read a favorite book--again and again--
because they love the story and love feeling close to you. When
they get older they will have new favorites.
Read when your toddler asks you to, so that your toddler will
know that you think reading is important. If you can't stop what
you are doing, suggest that the child look at a book alone for a
while or ask another family member to read to the child.
Take your toddler to the library so that the child can pick out his
or her own books. Keep the books in a special place at home so
that they won't get lost or damaged. Watch for secondhand
children's books to buy at yard sales and local bazaars.
How to help your toddler's caregiver:
Tell the caregiver about the books you and your toddler like to read
at home. Ask for suggestions of books your toddler would enjoy.
Look for these books at the library or borrow them from the child
care program.
Toddlers like to join in white you read out loud
Look for books that let your toddler do something such as touch
and feel the pictures. Some books can be scratched and sniffed,
or squeezed to make noises. Some books have pull-tabs that
make things pop up or move to reveal hidden pictures. Books like
these may wear out before your toddler gets tired of reading
them.
Choose books with repeated words, rhymes, and phrases that
your toddler can remember. If you read these books again and
again, the child might join in at the right time and feel that he or
she is reading too.
26
AGE
ACTIVITIES
TODDLERS: 18
Ask your toddler questions about the pictures in a book. "Who's
TO 36 MONTHS
that?" "Where do you think he's going?" "What do cows say?"
Have the child point to people and objects in the pictures.
OLD
"Where's the...?"
Talk about your toddler's real-life experiences. "That looks like
your raincoat. What did you do when you played in the rain
today?"
Toddlers like to look at books on their own.
Keep your toddler's books on low, open shelves or in an open box
or basket on the floor so that the child can reach them without
help. Stand the books upright so that the covers are easy to see.
Keep books in different places--in the bag that goes to child care,
in the bathroom, in the car, and next to the child's bed.
Suggest books your toddler might like to look at alone. The child
can talk about the people and animals in a favorite book, make up
a story about what's happening in a wordless picture book, or
name the objects in a book filled with pictures.
Help your toddler learn to care for books. Show your child how to
turn the pages so they won't tear. Remind your child to put away
books after reading them. Some well-loved books will wear out.
Ask your toddler to help you fix his or her own damaged books.
your child can show you which pages are torn and hold the book
open while you patch the pages.
Reg
27
AGE
ACTIVITIES
TODDLERS: 18 TO
Building Muscles For Writing
36 MONTHS OLD
Toddlers can build the muscles in their fingers while playing with
homemade toys.
Make a simple puzzle for your toddler by glueing a picture to
cardboard and cutting it into five or six pieces. Provide dress-
up clothes with buttons and zippers. Offer scrap paper to be
torn.
Make play dough that your toddler can roll, pound, and squeeze.
Mix together 2 cups flour, 1 cup salt, 1 cup water, and 1 table-
spoon of vegetable oil. Put food coloring in the water if you like.
Add more flour if the dough is sticky. Store in an air-tight
plastic bag or container.
Let an older toddler borrow your safe kitchen tools--a wooden
spoon, plastic knives and forks, a cookie cutter-to use with
play dough.
How to help your toddler's caregiver:
Ask the caregiver for recipes for homemade fingerpaint and glue,
and tips on using throwaways such as egg cartons and berry
baskets as art materials for your toddler.
Toddlers use the muscles in their fingers and hands to do things for
themselves.
Plan your day so there's time for your toddler to wash, dress,
and feed him-or herself. The child may take longer to put on
sneakers than you do, but, "Me do it!" is a mark of pride.
Make your home toddler friendly. A refillable pump soap
dispenser is easier for your toddler to use than a bar of soap,
and a small plastic cup fits in the toddler's hand. Keep the
child's toothbrush where he or she can reach it.
28
AGE
ACTIVITIES
TODDLERS: 18 TO
Toddlers learn about writing by scribbling, watching you write, and
36 MONTHS OLD
seeing words around them.
Look for inexpensive large pads of paper and large, nontoxic
crayons, and washable markers. Save scrap paper and paper
bags. Keep a supply of drawing and writing materials where
your toddler can reach them.
Ask your toddler to get some paper and crayons so you can
write together. The child will learn about writing by watching
you make a list, sign a check, or do a crossword puzzle. The
child's scribbles are a way of copying what you are writing.
Talk to your toddler about the scribbles. "You made a line and
a dot. This line is thicker than that one. you used two colors,
red and blue."
Point to written words around you and read them out loud to
your toddler. "Here comes our bus. It says 'northside' on the
front. That's where we're going." "These diapers are too
small. We need a box that says 'over 30 pounds."
29
USING LANGUAGE TO LEARN:
ACTIVITIES
FOR
PRESCHOOLERS
(3 to 5 Years Old)
WHAT DO PRESCHOOLERS DO?
Listen to stories and to conversations.
Talk to adults and to other children in complex sentences.
Master many rules of grammar.
Make up silly words and stories.
Use language to think, to share ideas and feelings, and to learn new things.
Enjoy the same books over and over and look at new books.
Retell familiar stories to themselves and others.
Think about what the characters in a book might feel or do.
Draw and write with pencils, crayons, and markers.
See print around them and watch adults read and write.
Imitate adult writing by scribble writing.
Copy shapes and some letters.
A
B
C
31
HOW DO PRESCHOOLERS LEARN?
Gina bounces out of bed and hurries to the
kitchen. She opens the cabinet, takes out a
box of cereal, then puts it back. She takes
out another box and says, "Grandpa, this is
my cereal. It has a big 'P' and lots of stars."
Grandpa says, "That's good thinking." Gina
points to a letter on the box, "That's a 'P'."
She traces the letter in the air and says, 'P'
as in Peter. Peter's name starts with a 'P'.
It's on his cubby."
Grandpa makes an offer. "Today, we can have our regular story time and then write
together. I need to write a letter to a friend. You can write, too."
Gina puts her empty bowl in the sink and runs to find her mother. "Mom, I'm gonna read and
write with Grandpa." Her mother says, "That sounds like fun. When I take you to family child
care, I'll tell Ms. Jenkins that you like to write. you can write at her house and at home."
Like many preschoolers. Gina is
Gina's family helps her learn about
learning language:
language:
She knows that letters (the P) and
They have a regular story time every
pictures (the stars) have meaning.
day.
She knows there is a 'P' on her cereal
Grandpa encourages her thinking, so
box and at the beginning of Peter's
Gina continues exploring the letters
name.
on the box.
She knows that people take turns
Grandpa offers to write with Gina.
when talking to each other.
Mom talks to Ms. Jenkins, so that Gina
can write at family child care and at
home.
32
ACTIVITIES AND IDEAS FOR PRESCHOOLERS
AGE
ACTIVITIES
PRESCHOOLERS: 3
Listening and Talking
TO 5 YEARS OLD
Preschoolers learn about language by listening and talking.
Start a conversation with your child by asking a question that
has no right or wrong answer:
"What did you think when you saw the tall
tower you built?"
Help your child become a creative thinker by asking, "Suppose
that..." "What do you think..." "What if..."
Encourage your child to talk with older and younger family
members. A child who has lots of opportunities to talk will
learn how to put ideas into words.
Help your child choose a few special television shows that are
just right for children of the same age and interests. Watch
with your child and talk about what you see and hear. "Are
those lions like the ones at the zoo?" Ask questions to find out
what the child is learning. "Does our family do things like the
family in the show? How are we different?"
Use television wisely. At family mealtimes, talk and enjoy each
other's company. Make a list of things your child can do
instead of watching television, such as looking at books,
playing with brothers and sisters, or drawing pictures.
33
AGE
ACTIVITIES
PRESCHOOLERS: 3
How to help your child's caregiver:
TO 5 YEARS OLD
Tell the caregiver about the things your child does at home. Doing
this will help the caregiver start conversations with your child
and encourage your child to talk.
Preschoolers learn about language by watching and listening to
you.
Think and plan out loud so that your child can see and hear you
using language to solve problems or make plans.
"Hi Elliott. Are we still on for basketball?"
"Great! I'll meet you at the park."
Visit and talk about interesting places. Go to the library, the
park, or a museum. Talk with your child about what you see
during the visit. Ask questions about what the child sees.
When you return, suggest that the child tell a relative or
friend about the trip.
"Grandpa might like to hear about the
giant insects we saw at the museum."
Ask your child to help you do a chore--replace a battery in a
toy, wash the car, or pull weeds. Talk to the child about what
you are doing. The child will have fun and learn some new
words.
Take your child along when you do errands. The child will
enjoy talking and learning with you at the supermarket, the
laundromat, or wherever else you need to go. Children also
like to look at what's happening in the neighborhoods along
the way to and from these trips.
34
AGE
ACTIVITIES
PRESCHOOLERS: 3
Reading
TO 5 YEARS OLD
Preschoolers like many different kinds of books.
Look for paperback versions of your child's favorite books, in
English and in your family's home language. Encourage family
and friends to swap books and give them as gifts. And
remember that yard sales and neighborhood bazaars often
have very inexpensive secondhand children's books.
Make regular trips to the library to borrow books, tapes, and
other materials. If possible, have your child get his or her own
library card.
Let your child see him- or herself in books. Choose books
about families like yours and people from your culture and
ethnic group.
Ask the children's librarian at your local library to suggest
books for your child. Get ideas from other families,
caregivers, and people who know your child well.
Look for books that match your child's experiences:
a special interest--bugs
something familiar--going to child care
a new event--going to the dentist
a change in the family--the birth of a baby.
How to help your child's caregiver:
Ask the caregiver about book clubs for young children and
programs that offer inexpensive children's books.
35
AGE
ACTIVITIES
PRESCHOOLERS: 3
Preschoolers are more likely to learn to love books if they are read
TO 5 YEARS OLD
to.
Set aside a time each day when you and your child can relax
and read together. Make these special times when you enjoy
each other's company and explore the new worlds and ideas
found in books. Children who are read to are more likely to
love books and to be strong readers.
Read with lots of enthusiasm. Change your voice to fit
different characters and feelings such as sad, excited, or
happy.
Expect and encourage interruptions. Stop to talk about the
pictures and the story in each book, and the ways they relate
to your child's life. Ask and answer questions. Add
information to help the child understand the story.
"Blueberries are easy to pick because they
grow on low bushes. Remember when we
saw blueberries in the supermarket?"
Preschoolers learn about reading when they look at books by
themselves and when they see adults reading.
Set up a reading shelf, basket, or corner where your child can
reach books without help. Store books upright so that the
child can easily find the one he or she is looking for. Almost
any room in the home-kitchen, bathroom, living room, or
bedroom--is a good place to keep books.
Bring along a bag of books when you leave home. your child
can read on the bus or subway, in a car, at the laundromat,
and at the doctor's office.
Show your child that reading is an important and useful skill.
Children love to imitate adults. A child who sees you enjoying a
book or magazine will want to do the same.
Show your child how you use books, newspapers, and other
written materials to find out what time a store opens, what the
weather will be like, or what you need for a recipe.
36
AGE
ACTIVITIES
PRESCHOOLERS: 3
Writing
TO 5 YEARS OLD
Preschoolers need to practice using the small muscles in their
fingers and hands.
Encourage your child to do things such as brushing teeth,
buttoning and zipping clothes, and using forks and spoons
without help.
Ask your child to help you do real jobs, such as peeling
carrots, sorting and folding laundry, sweeping the porch, and
making the beds.
Play with your child. Together you can thread beads on laces,
do puzzles, and roll or pound homemade play dough.
Ask your child's caregiver for ideas she or he may have.
How to help your child's caregiver:
Tell the caregiver about the real jobs your child does at home.
Exchange samples of your child's writing with the caregiver so
that you will both know what the child is doing and learning.
37
AGE
ACTIVITIES
PRESCHOOLERS: 3
Preschoolers learn about writing when they see how people use
TO 5 YEARS OLD
writing every day.
Let your child see you write every day. When you make a note
on the calendar, write a shopping list, sign in at the doctor's
office, or take down a telephone message, talk to your child
about what you're writing: "I'm writing a letter to Aunt Alice.
Would you like to tell her about our walk to the library?"
Show your child the words around us-cookbooks, shampoo,
coupons, buses, street signs, and buildings--and illustrate
their purpose. Hold up two cans of soup and say: "What kind
of soup should we have--chicken noodle or vegetable?"
38
AGE
ACTIVITIES
PRESCHOOLERS: 3
Preschoolers like to do their own writing.
TO 5 YEARS OLD
Make sure your child has writing materials and places to write.
Look around the house for items your child can use for writing--
any kind of paper, crayons, markers, pencils. Put the writing
materials in an open box on a low shelf or in a bottom drawer in
the kitchen so that the child can reach them without your help.
Set up a place for writing in the room where your family spends
the most time. For example, you can shorten the legs on an old
chair and table to make them the right height for your child, or
you can often find secondhand, child-size furniture at thrift
shops and yard sales. Keep catalogs and other writing
materials in shoe boxes on the table.
Talk with your child about how to write. If your child asks you
how to make a letter, spell a name, or write a word, show the
child how to do it. Otherwise, let your child write in his or her
own way. you may not be able to read the writing, but the child
can read it to you. Over time, the child will learn how to write
words that others can read.
39
Reading and Writing Play Materials
Children learn about reading and writing in several ways. They watch adults, try out their
own ideas, solve problems, and figure out for themselves how spoken and written words
are connected.
Families can help by providing a special place where children can read and write and by
encouraging them to include reading and writing in their play activities. Here are some
examples of reading and writing materials for young children.
Create a Special Place With:
Write With and On:
Table (homemade or purchased, sized
Chalkboards (wall and lap)
for young children)
Chalk (white and colored)
Chair(s)
Easels
Desk and chair
Paint
Low, open shelves
Brushes
Bulletin board
Paper (lined and unlined, different sizes,
Clothesline and clothespins (to hang up
colors, weights, textures)
children's writing)
Markers (washable, nontoxic, thick and
thin tips)
Explore Letters and Numerals With:
Crayons
Colored pencils
Magnet boards and alphabet and
Erasable boards, markers, and erasers
number magnets
Magic states
Alphabet and numeral blocks, tiles, and
Ready-made blank books
puzzles
Bookbinding materials (stapler, hole
Alphabet and numeral sponges, stamps,
punch, laces)
and stamp pads
Scissors (for older toddlers and
Alphabet and counting books
preschoolers)
Typewriter
Play Make-Believe With:
Computer and developmentally
appropriate writing programs
Clipboards
Envelopes
Junk mail, catalogs, coupons
Magazines
Empty food containers
File folders and boxes
Mailbag and mailbox
40
American Library Association's
Suggested Book List for Young Readers
This Recommended Book List for young Readers provides suggestions for books that you can
introduce to children at different ages.2 Although some of these books have been
developed for a particular age, many are old favorites that can be enjoyed at any age.
BIRTH THROUGH EIGHT MONTHS
The following books have simple rhymes and poems.
Big Fat Hen, by Keith Baker
Rosie's Walk, by Pat Hutchins
Ten, Nine, Eight, by Molly Bang
Read Aloud Rhymes for the Very
Young, by Jack Prelutsky
Play Rhymes, by Marc Brown
Goodnight Moon, by Margaret Wise
Have You Seen My Duckling?, by nancy
Tafuri
Brown
Tomie DePaola's Mother Goose, by
My First Mother Goose, by Rosemary
Tomie DePaola
Wells
Eye Winker, Tom Tinker. Chin
Chopper: 50 Musical Finger Plays, by
Tom Glazer
EIGHT MONTHS THROUGH EIGHTEEN MONTHS
These books are short with a little text and many rhymes. At this age children really enjoy
holding cardboard books and turning pages.
Moon Bear, by Frank Asch
Peter's Chair, by Ezra Jack Keats
Will I Have a Friend?, by Miriam Cohen
Pat the Bunny, by Dorothy Kunhardt
Corduroy, by Don Freeman
Clap Hands, by Helen Oxenbury
Where's Spot?, by Eric Hill
Seven Blind Mice, by Ed Young
Mama. Do You Love Me?, by Barbara
"More. More. More" Said the Baby, by
Joose
Vera Williams
2 The U.S. Department of Education does not endorse particular books and recommends that parents
review this list and make thier own decision on the suitability of the books for their children.
41
EIGHTEEN THROUGH THIRTY-SIX MONTHS
These books have more text and an easy-to-follow story that moves along quickly.
The Little Red Hen, by Bryon Barton
Millions of Cats, by Wanda Gag
Clifford the Big Red Dog, by norman
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, by Bill
Bridwell
Martin Jr. and Lois Ehlert
Wait Till the Moon is Full, by Margaret
Curious George, by H.A. Rey
Wise Brown
The Cat in the Hat, by Dr. Seuss
Stellaluna, by Jannell Cannon
The Bunny Planet, by Rosemary Wells
The Very Hungry Caterpillar, by Eric
Carle
THREE TO FIVE YEARS
At this age children can enjoy more complex stories and understand humor.
Country Mouse and City Mouse, by
Make Way for Ducklings, by Robert
Jan Brett
McClosky
Stone Soup, by Marcia Brown
Tikki, Tikki, Tembo, by Arlene Mosel
The Three Bears, by Paul Galdone
The Tale of Peter Rabbit, by Beatrix
Potter
Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins, by
Eric Kimmel
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble, by
William Steig
The Story of Ferdinand, by Munro Leaf
Lyle, Lyle Crocodile, by Bernard Waber
This reading list was developed at the American Library Association (ALA) under the Born to
Read Project, which builds partnerships between librarians and health care providers to
reach out to new and expectant parents and help them raise children who are "born to
read."
42
Resources
AMERICA READS CHALLENGE: READ*WRITE*NOWI PUBLICATIONS
The following AMERICA READS CHALLENGE: READ*WRITE*now! publications have been
placed on the U.S. Department of Education's Internet Web site
<http://www.ed.gov> for your unlimited use.
READ*WRITE*NOW! Basic Kit: Activities for Reading and Writing Fun
READ*WRITE*NOW! Partners Tutoring Program
READ*WRITE*NOW! Early Childhood Kit (of which this booklet is a part)
READ*WRITE*NOW! Just Add Kids: A Resource Directory of Learning
Partners, Reading Sites, and Other Literacy Organizations That Serve
Children and Their Families
READ*WRITE*NOW! Learning to Read, Reading to Learn: Helping Children
with Learning Disabilities to Succeed
FEDERAL SOURCES OF ASSISTANCE FOR CHILDREN FROM BIRTH THROUGH FIVE
Corporation for national Service
Child Care Bureau
Training and Technical Assistance, Rm. 9821
U.S. Department of Health and Human
1201 new York Avenue nw
Services
Washington, DC 20525
Administration for Children and Families
Office of Public Affairs
Even Start
370 L'Enfant Promenade SW
U.S. Department of Education
Washington, DC 20202
Compensatory Education Programs
Office of Elementary and Secondary Ed.
national Institute of Child Health and Human
600 Independence Avenue SW
Development
Room 4400-Portals Building
U.S. Department of health and Human
Washington, DC 20202-6132
Services
national Institutes of health
Title I
Building 31, Room 2A32, MSC-2425
U.S. Department of Education
31 Center Drive
Compensatory Education Programs
Bethesda, MD 20892-2425
Office of Elementary and Secondary Ed.
600 independence Avenue SW
national Information Center for Children and
Room 4400-Portals Building
Youth with Disabilities
Washington, DC 20202-6132
P.O. Box 1492
Washington, DC 20013
Head Start
U.S. Department of Health and Human
Office of Special Education Programs
Services
U.S. Department of Education
Administration for Children and Families
600 Independence Avenue SW
Office of Public Affairs
Switzer Building, Room 4613
370 L'Enfant Promenade SW
Washington, DC 20202
Washington, DC 20202
43
Nicole-
)
Here they
are!
Payline
<<<<<<<<<<<<<
ME
Books
Celebrate!
?
AMERICA READS CHALLENGE
READY SET READ
1997-1998 EARLY CHILDHOOD ACTIVITY CALENDAR
A Joint Project of the U.S. Department of Education, the Corporation for National Service,
the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. and Books and Beyond.
Milk
Happy, Healthy You!
JUNE TIP OF THE MONTH
Encourage children to do things
for themselves when they are
ready. Let them feed and dress
themselves, and clean up after
themselves even if these tasks
take more time and are not done
perfectly.
Story
Library
Fruity
Rhyme
Time
Outing
Fan
'N' Play
Have fun reading or telling
Visit the local
Help your child make a colorful
Touch the body parts named
stories with your child. Ask
public library with
watermelon fan to keep cool all summer!
as you sing the words. Repeat
SPECIAL ACTIVITY CENTER
other friends or family
your child. Be a
the rhyme over and over,
Materials:
members to share favorite
role model by
going faster each time.
stories with your child.
checking out books
paper plate
Stories about the child's own
crayons, markers, or paint
Head, shoulders,
that you would
history or culture are
enjoy reading.
watermelon seeds (if available)
Knees and toes,
especially exciting. Ask the
popsicle sticks
Knees and toes,
When you get
librarian to help you pick out
home, set aside a
Head, shoulders,
Color or paint a one inch circle of green around
books that have pictures
special time to
Knees and toes,
the edge of a paper plate. Leaving a small ring
Knees and toes.
and stories about people
read with your
of white next to the green, color the inside of
with the same ethnic
child.
the plate red. When the paint is dry, draw
Eyes and nose
background as your child.
black seeds in the red center, or glue on real
and ears and mouth
watermelon seeds. Glue a popsicle stick on the
Head, shoulders,
back of the plate and use as a fan.
Knees and toes,
Knees and toes.
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
Story
Library
Cut out a food pyramid
Time
Outing
from the side of a cereal
box or other food. Talk
Print the letters in your
about the different food
child's name. Ask him or
groups. Ask your child
her to name three
to name a favorite
food and what food
1
2
3
words that begin
with each letter of
group it belongs to.
the name.
4
5
6
7
Fruity
Story
Rhyme
Flag Day
Help your child cut
Fan
Time
'N' Play
pictures of healthy foods
Let your child draw a flag
out of a magazine. Have
on a piece of paper.
Play "Peek-a-Boo" with
the child glue the pictures
Attach a stick to one end,
your child, hiding behind
on paper plates. Make a
turn on the radio to lively
a favorite book.
mobile by hanging
music, and let your child
Finish your game
the plates with
march around
8
9
by reading
the story.
10
11
yarn to a clothes
hanger.
12
13
the house
carrying the flag.
14
Father's Day
Help your child make a
Story
Library
book for someone special,
Have your child look in a
Time
Outing
drawing pictures showing
mirror and name the
what your child likes about
features on his or her face.
this person. Write down
Ask your child what each
what the pictures
part does, and whether
are about. Share
the child has one
15
it with the
special person.
16
17
or two of each
part named.
18
19
20
First Day
21
of Summer
Story
Fruity
Take your child outside
Time
Fan
with a bucket of water
Have a pretend phone
and a paint brush to
conversation with your
"paint" his or her name,
child, asking what your
Plan a "TV Blackout" night.
and to draw shapes and
child did yesterday, is
Instead of watching TV,
letters on the
doing today, and
sidewalk with
the water.
22
23
read aloud or play
wants to do
tomorrow.
24
25
26
games with
27
28
your child.
Rhyme
'N' Play
JUNE
29
30
1997
Steppin' to
the es Beat
JULY TIP OF THE MONTH
Teach children songs, poems,
and rhymes. Encourage them to
dance, sing, and clap their
hands to the music or words.
Rhyme
Story
Puppet
Library
'N' Play
Time
Making
Outing
Let your child dance while you sing
Have fun reading or
Read or tell a story. Ask your
Visit the local
together.
telling stories with your child.
child to pick out a favorite
public library with
SPECIAL ACTIVITY CENTER
Each time you open a book with
character and to explain the
your child, take
Here we go 'round the mulberry bush,
your child, you take the child on
choice. using a paper bag,
him or her to the
The mulberry bush, the mulberry bush.
an exciting journey. Open a
crayons, magic markers, glue,
children's section,
Here we go 'round the mulberry bush,
world of new ideas in books and
construction paper or other
and let your child
So early in the morning.
give your child a great start to
materials, make a puppet of that
pick out books to
learning. Remember, one of the
character. Help your child retell
take home, read,
Repeat using:
best ways to encourage a love
the story using the puppet. Each
and return during
This is the way we wash our clothes.
of reading is to have a regular
week a new "character" can be
the next visit.
This is the way we scrub the floor.
time for sharing books with
created. By the end of the
This is the way we sweep the house.
your child.
month you will have a collection
This is the way we bake our bread.
of puppets your child can use to
make up his or her own storiesi
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
Story
Independence Day
Library
Time
Outing
JULY
Play music and dance
Find a place to safely watch
with your child. Let your
a fireworks display with
child use pots, pans,
your child. Talk about
1997
and spoons to create
1
sounds.
2
3
why you are proud to
be an American.
4
5
Puppet
Rhyme
Making
'N' Play
Go for a reading picnic
under the stars. Take a
Take a "counting" walk.
flashlight, a snack,
Pick something to count
Play "Pat-a-Cake" with
and a few favorite books
(cars, signs, flowers, birds,
your child. Help your
to read outside. Look
bikes) and as you walk,
child count how many
for pictures that
6
keep track of how
7
8
fingers there are
9
10
11
the stars make
many you see.
on each hand.
in the sky.
12
Rhyme
'N' Play
Watch a musical on TV
Sing "Old McDonald Had
with your child. Talk
a Farm" with your
about what your
child. Take turns
child's favorite
13
14
making the animal
15
16
17
part was. Try to
sounds.
talk by singing.
18
19
Puppet
Story
Library
Making
Let your child help with
Time
Outing
a household chore today,
setting the table, emptying
the trash, putting away the
Plan a "TV Blackout"
toys, or feeding a pet.
night. Instead of watching
When the work
TV, read aloud or
20
is done, thank your
21
22
23
play games with
child for helping.
your child.
24
25
26
Story
Rhyme
Time
'N' Play
Sing a simple song with
Go somewhere you can
your child. Count the words
play in the water today-
that rhyme. Make up a
a pool, a lake,
new song of your
the ocean, or
under a sprinkler.
27
28
own using words
that rhyme.
29
30
31
*****
Fit and Fun Play
AUGUST TIP OF THE MONTH
Talk with children as you play
and do daily activities together.
Ask your child lots of questions
and be sure to listen to the
answers.
Library
Bubble
Story
Rhyme
Outing
Time
Time
'N' Play
Visit the local
Ingredients:
Have fun reading or
If you're happy and you know it,
SPECIAL ACTIVITY CENTER
public library with
1/8 cup dishwashing liquid
1 cup water
telling stories with
Clap your hands! (Clap, clap.)
your child. Find
bubble wand
your child. Find a
If you're happy and you know it,
out the days and
quiet, well-lit spot
Clap your hands! (Clap, clap.)
times of special
Mix soap and water in a plastic container. Let your
where you can sit
If you're happy and you know it,
activities or story
child dip a bubble wand in the liquid and blow or
comfortably with
Then your face will surely show it,
hours for children
run holding the blower against the wind.
your child. Let the
If you're happy and you know it,
that take place in
Wand Ideas:
child pick out a book
Clap your hands! (Clap, clap.)
August. Mark the
Straw-Cut a drinking straw in half; then cut the tip
(even if it's the same
Add other verses, using motions
dates on your
3 times and fold pieces back. Dip the tip in the
one over and over)
that fit the words:
calendar so you
bubble solution and blow!
and enjoy spending
# If you're sleepy and you know it,
will remember to
Soda-Can Rings-Cut one of the plastic rings off the
time with your child
Close your eyes.
attend!
plastic soda can holder. Tape to a wooden stick or
in an imaginary
If you're sad and you know it,
pencil. Dip in the mixture and wave through the air.
world!
Cry "Boo hoo!"
* If you're mad and you know it,
Stamp your feet.
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
Play "Hide and Seek" with
Library
AUGUST
your child. Hide an object
Outing
and give your child three
easy-to-follow clues to
find it. Congratulate
your child for listening
1997
and following
directions when he or
1
2
she finds the object.
Bubble
Rhyme
Time
'N' Play
Make "Bugs on a Log" for a
snack. Fill celery sticks with
peanut butter and top with
raisins. Go on a nature
Play a game of leap
walk and see how
frog. Measure how
3
4
many real bugs your
5
6
far your child
child can find.
can "hop."
7
8
9
Story
Library
Time
Outing
Plan a -TV Blackout"
Have a family movie night
night. Instead of
at home. Pop popcorn and
watching TV, read
Make up a song or rhyme
talk about your child's
aloud or play games,
using your child's name.
favorite part of the movie.
do a puzzle, or
Let your child add
Ask your child
sing songs with
10
11
12
motions to the
13
14
what was real and
your child.
song as you sing it.
what was pretend.
15
16
Story
Have your child try to name
Rhyme
Time
five things that start with
Fill a low shelf or drawer
the letter "F," then five
'N' Play
with safe toys, books, or
things that start with "u,"
empty containers for your
then "n." Write down the
child. Write your child's
words the child mentions.
name on a piece of
Then write the letters
paper, let your child
"Fun" to show your
decorate it, and
17
child how much fun
18
19
20
Play "Pat-a-Cake"
with your child.
21
22
then tape it to the
"special" place.
23
letters are!
240
Story
Rhyme
Library
Time
'N' Play
Play "catch" with your
Outing
Count something with your
child. Stand a short
Bubble
child using the rhyme,
distance from the child and
Time
"One potato, two potato,
toss or roll a large ball
three potato, four. Five
back and forth.
potato, six potato,
Count aloud each
31
25
seven potato,
26
27
28
time someone
more!"
catches the ball.
29
30
SCHOOL DAYS
B
SEPTEMBER TIP OF THE MONTH
2
Take toddlers and preschoolers to
the library so that they can choose
books to read. Find out about the
library's special books and services.
Story
Create a
Rhyme
Library
Time
Books
"Me Book"
'N' Play
Outing
Have fun reading or
Make a book with your child.
Make up hand and body movements to go
Visit the local public
telling stories with
with the words. Let your child follow along.
SPECIAL ACTIVITY CENTER
Have your child draw a
library with your child.
your child. When you
self-portrait, a family picture,
Look for books that are
Mary had a little lamb, little lamb,
are reading a book,
a favorite animal, a hand and
written for children who
little lamb.
magazine, or
a foot print, and a birthday
newspaper, give your
cake to record his or her
Mary had a little lamb, whose fleece was white
are your child's age.
Even babies enjoy
as snow.
child his or her own
birthday. Include anything
picture books, especially
book or page to look at.
that helps the child tell his or
It followed her to school one day, school one
ones made out of cloth.
Looking at books that
her life story. Ask your child
day, school one day.
If you need help, ask a
don't have words still
to tell you the story or ideas
It followed her to school one day,
librarian to help you
counts as "reading."
that go with each picture and
which was against the rules.
find just the right
record them at the bottom of
books!
each page. Join the pages
It made the children laugh and play, laugh
together with yarn ties or
and play, laugh and play.
brads. Let your child color
It made the children laugh and play,
to see a lamb at school.
the cover.
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
Labor Day
Rhyme
Create a
'N' Play
Show your child how to
Bookm
"Me Book"
spell his or her full
Go for a walk and
name, street address,
collect flowers. Ask
town, city, and phone
your child to think of
number. Repeat this
words, other than
information often so
"flowers," that start
1
with the letter "F."
2
3
that he or she
can memorize it.
4
5
6
Grandparent's Day
Story
Library
Take a reading picnic
Let your child use your keys
Time
under the stars. Take a
Outing
to open the door to your
blanket, some popcorn
house or car. Talk about
or other treat, a flashlight,
Visit a bakery. Read
other things or places that
and a favorite storybook.
the signs in the store.
use keys (treasure chest,
When you finish your story,
Share the smells and
diary, padlock, jewelry
find pictures
tastes of a special
7
8
box, bike lock, safe,
treat.
stores, and offices).
9
10
11
stars make in
the sky.
12
13
Create a
Story
Rhyme
"Me Book"
Time
'N' Play
Play music and dance
Play "Peek-a-Boo"
with your child. Let your
with your child,
child use pots,
using a favorite
14
15
16
17
pans, and spoons
Rosh Hashanah
18
19
book to hide
to create sounds.
behind.
20
First Day of Autumn
Yom Kippur
Rhyme
Library
'N' Play
Outing
Plan a "TV Blackout"
night. Instead of
watching TV, read
Make up a story with
aloud or play games,
your child as the
do a puzzle, or
main character.
sing songs with
your child.
21
22
23
24
25
Let the child retell
26
the story to you.
27
Talk with your child
Story
about the difference
Time
between hot and
cold, big and small,
open and closed,
and other opposites.
SEPTEMBER
Help your child find
28
or think of examples
for each word.
29
30
1997
Reading
is
a
Blast!
OCTOBER TIP OF THE MONTH
Keep a supply of books and
other reading materials where
children can reach them. Add
new books as children's skills
and interests change.
Story
Cook with
Rhyme
Library
Time
a Book
'N' Play
Outing
Have fun reading or telling
Read or tell the story of "Goldilocks and
Make up hand motions to
Visit the local public
stories with your child.
SPECIAL ACTIVITY CENTER
the Three Bears." Let your child help
follow along with the words
library with your child.
Children love stories!
make the porridge using the recipe
of the rhyme.
Find a book on tape and
Whether you read a story or
below, or one on a hot cereal box.
a tape player that can
tell a story of your own, your
Itsy Bitsy Spider went up the
be checked out. Plan a
child is learning how to
Three Bears' Breakfast Porridge:
water spout.
special family time to
imagine, and how words
3 cups water
Down came the rain and
communicate ideas. The most
1/2 cup raisins
enjoy listening to the
washed the spider out.
tape together. If you
important thing you can do
2 cups oatmeal
Out came the sun and dried
as you share a story with
1/4 teaspoon salt
have your own tape
up all the rain.
your child is to make it an
milk, brown sugar, & cinnamon
recorder, you can
and Itsy Bitsy Spider went
record yourself reading
enjoyable experience for you
Add salt and raisins to water and boil.
up the spout again.
the library books so
both.
Add oatmeal. Stir and cook 5 minutes.
your child can enjoy
When the porridge is "just right," serve
them later.
with milk, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
Story
Time
OCTOBER
Plan a "TV Blackout"
night. Instead of
watching TV, read aloud
or play games, do a
1997
1
2
puzzle, or sing songs
with your child.
3
4
Cook with
Rhyme
Library
a Book
'N' Play
Outing
Find several boxes of
different sizes. Have
Read a story to your child.
your child line them up
In the middle of the story,
from smallest to largest.
have the child pretend
See if the child can
to be the author. Ask
5
6
stack the boxes without
having them fall.
7
8
how he or she would
9
10
11
end the story.
Columbus Day
Story
This is the day we celebrate
Rhyme
Make a pumpkin face. Color
the discovery of America.
Time
'N' Play
a paper plate orange. Glue
Talk with your child about
a green scrap of paper to
an imaginary voyage the
Plan "TV Blackout" night.
the top for a stem. Let your
child would like to take.
Instead of watching TV,
child color a face on the
what would your child
read aloud, play games,
"pumpkin." Print
like to discover?
do a puzzle, or
your child's name
12
How would your
13
14
sing songs with
child get there?
15
your child.
16
17
on the back of
18
the plate.
Story
Library
Time
Outing
Sing a song! Teach
your child the songs
or rhymes you loved
Play "Peek-a-Boo"
as a child. Help your
hiding behind your
19
20
child make up a
silly song.
21
22
child's favorite
book.
23
24
25
Cook with
Rhyme
Story
Halloween
a Book
'N' Play
Time
Make up your own
silly, funny, or scary
story. Ask your child
to tell how his or
26
27
28
29
30
her story can end
31
happily-ever-after.
NOVEMBER TIP OF THE MONTH
Point out to children the printed
words at home, child care, and in
the community.
We Are Family
Library
Story
Rhyme
Turkey
Outing
Time
'N' Play
Placemats
Visit the local public
Have fun reading or telling
Make up hand movements to go
Materials:
SPECIAL ACTIVITY CENTER
library with your
stories with your child. A child
with the words. Let your child
construction paper
child. Pick out books
who looks at books and hears
follow along.
crayons or colored markers
that have lots of
stories read, learns that words
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
colorful pictures or
and ideas can be written down,
Trace your child's hand on the paper.
How / wonder what you are.
Help your child make a "turkey" by
photographs and few
and that marks on paper have
Up above the world so high,
meaning. Show your child that
coloring the fingers different colors for
words. Let your child
Like a diamond in the sky.
feathers. Add feet, eyes, and a beak.
look at the pictures
there are things to read
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
Print your child's name in the center of
and tell you what he
everywhere. Make a game of
finding things with words on
How / wonder what you are.
the turkey. Let the child decorate
or she thinks is
them (like soup cans, cereal
around the outside edge of the paper.
happening in the
Star light, star bright
Each time you make a new "turkey" the
story.
boxes, comics). This will help
First star / see tonight.
child can print another name of family
your child to see how important
/ wish / may, / wish / might,
it is to be able to read.
or friends, until there are enough
Have the wish / wish tonight.
turkeys to use at your Thanksgiving
meal.
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
Library
NOVEMBER
Outing
1997
1
Story
Election Day
Rhyme
Time
Help your child write a
'N' Play
poem about your family.
Have a "Family Election."
Be creative. Start each
Read two books
Plan a "TV Blackout"
line with a letter from
together. Have each
night. Instead of
the word "family."
person vote for his or
watching TV, read
Encourage the child to
her favorite book. Count
aloud, play games,
draw a picture to
go with it.
2
3
up the votes. which
book wins?
4
5
6
or listen to music
with your child.
7
8
Turkey
Veterans' Day
Story
Have a Recycling Day.
Placemat
Time
Set aside everything
Help your child make a
that your family uses
puzzle. Cut up a pretty
today that can be
card or magazine cover in
Cut straws into
recycled. Talk about
large pieces. Encourage
different lengths.
why recycling is a
your child to put
Let your child line
good idea.
9
the picture back
10
11
12
them up from
13
14
Take the things
15
together.
shortest to longest.
to a recycling bin.
Story
Rhyme
Time
'N' Play
Every time your child
Put on a family play.
has to climb up or
Dress up in costumes
down stairs today,
and act out a
count out loud
simple story. Pop
with the child,
popcorn for a
each step he or
snack afterwards.
16
17
18
she takes.
19
20
21
22
23
Story
Thanksgiving Day
Library
Print out two sets of
Time
alphabet letters: one
Outing
Turkey
upper case (capitals), one
Placemats
lower case (small letters).
Cut the letters out, mix
them up and play a
At dinner, have each
30
match-up game
person mention
with your child
24
(A-a, B-b, C-c).
25
26
one thing he or she
is thankful for.
27
28
29
Unique is Cool!
DECEMBER TIP OF THE MONTH
Show children how you read and
write every day to have fun and to
get things done.
Story
Rhyme
Library
King/Queen
Time
'N' Play
Outing
for a Day
Have fun reading or telling
Make up hand motions to go with the
Visit the local public
Materials:
stories with your child. The
words.
library with your child.
construction paper, glue, glitter,
SPECIAL ACTIVITY CENTER
best way for your child to
Try to find books about
buttons, yarn, old jewelry, or any
Over the river and through the woods,
learn to love reading and
a variety of holidays
craft items you have.
books is to have a reading
To Grandmother's house we go.
and traditions that are
experience each day.
The horse knows the way to carry the
written for children.
Measure around the top of your
Reading can be done
sleigh,
Find out if there are
child's head. Cut a piece of paper
Through the white and drifted snow.
anywhere-in a car, a
any special displays or
to fit. Cut the bottom straight and
Over the river and through the woods,
activities planned for
the top in points to look like a
fast-food restaurant, a bus,
on how the wind does blow.
an office, in the park, or at
children this month
crown. Let your child decorate the
It stings the toes and bites the nose,
crown with craft items. Have the
home. Keep books or other
that you could attend
as over the fields we go.
reading material handy, so
with your child.
child trace or print his or her
name on the back of the crown
it's always an easy activity
and then attach the ends. Let the
to choose.
child wear the crown for the day.
What would he/she do as King/
Queen?
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
Set a red, a yellow, and a
Story
green apple on the table.
Rhyme
Library
Time
Ask your child to name the
'N' Play
Outing
colors. Cut the apples
open and talk about how
Different people celebrate
they have different colors
different holidays. Talk
on the outside, but
about your child's
are the same on the
favorite holiday. What
1
inside, just like people.
2
3
does the holiday
celebrate?
4
5
6
Enjoy your snack!
Story
King/Queen
Time
Play the "colored food"
Make a Family Collage. Let
for a Day
game. How many foods
your child cut pictures out
Plan a "TV Blackout" night.
can your child think
of a magazine of things
Instead of watching TV,
of that are red? green?
the child does with your
read aloud or play
yellow? orange? What
family. Glue them on a
games, do a puzzle,
"color" foods did
piece of paper
or sing songs with
7
8
9
your child eat
10
11
with "My Family"
12
13
your child.
today?
written on top.
Rhyme
Beethoven's Birthday
Story
Help your child memorize
his or her full name and
Library
'N' Play
Time
address. Talk about where
Outing
the name came from and
where your child was born.
Play music and dance
If you have a map, find the
with your child. Let
city you live in now and the
the child use pots,
places different
14
15
pans, and spoons to
create sounds.
16
17
people in your
18
19
20
family were born.
King/Queen
Story
Christmas
Rhyme
for a Day
Time
'N' Play
Watch a children's movie
as a family. Talk about
First Day
what makes the characters
of Winter
in the movie
First Day
21
22
Hanukkah begins
23
different from
of Kwanzaa
at sundown
each other.
24
25
26
27
Give your child an
New Year's Eve
assortment of beans,
buttons, or small stones
Draw a picture of a clock.
to be sorted by color,
Point to the numbers and
size, or shape. When the
let your child tell you what
sorting is finished, the
the number is. Talk
child can glue the objects
about what the
DECEMBER
onto a card and
child does at
give it to someone
special.
28
29
different times of
the day and night.
30
31
1997
Celebrate!
JANUARY TIP OF THE MONTH
Read with your children at a
regular time each day and
whenever they ask you.
?
Mystery
Story
Rhyme
Library
Bag Search
Time
'N' Play
Outing
Place small, safe
Have fun reading or telling
Follow the motions with your child.
Visit the local public library
SPECIAL ACTIVITY CENTER
objects that all start
stories with your child. Children
with your child. If you don't
with the same letter
love to hear the human voice.
Hands on shoulders, hands on knees,
already have a library
(e.g., spoon, soap,
Even babies find great comfort
Hands behind you,
card, apply for one so that
straw, sock) in a
in listening to voices. What
If you please.
you can check out books
paper bag. Let your
better way for them to hear you
Touch your shoulders, now your nose,
and magazines (some
child reach into the
speak than through reading to
now your hair,
libraries will even let you
bag. Without your
them! In fact, one of the best
and now your toes.
check out toys, videos, and
child peeking, let him
ways to encourage a love of
tapes). January is a great
or her guess what it
reading is to have a regular time
Hands up high as before,
month to look at books on
is. Talk about what
for sharing books with your
now clap your hands,
weather.
letter all the objects
child each day.
One-two-three-four!
start with.
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
New Year's Day
JANUARY
?
Mystery
Bag Search
Draw a face on both of
your child's index fingers
with a washable marker.
Let your child retell
a favorite story
with the "puppet
1998
1
2
fingers* as the
3
characters.
Story
Rhyme
Library
Time
Use an egg carton to
'N' Play
Outing
teach your child how to
sort. Give your child a
variety of buttons,
Plan an indoor picnic
candy, or coins and
for dinner. Let your
let him or her sort
child bring some
4
5
them by color, size,
6
7
8
favorite books to
or item.
read.
9
10
Mystery
Story
Benjamin Franklin's Birthday
?
Bag Search
Trace your child's hand on
Time
Help your child learn to
a piece of paper. Ask your
write his or her own
child to think of different
name. Print it for your
Plan a -TV Blackout"
ways people can be kind
child to trace. Let him
night. Instead of watching
to others. Write his or her
or her pretend to write
TV, read aloud or
ideas on each
and sign a very
11
play games with
12
13
finger of the
14
Martin Luther King. Jr's.
your child.
Birthday
15
16
important
17
hand drawing.
message.
Story
Library
Time
Outing
Help your child name
Have your child point out
letters of the alphabet in
all the round-shaped
the newspaper headlines
things nearby. Have a
or a magazine cover. Cut
round snack of
out five new letters
banana slices,
18
Martin Luther King, Jr's.
19
for your child to
Birthday Celebrated
20
21
crackers, cookies,
22
23
24
keep and learn.
or tortillas.
Rhyme
Mozart's Birthday
Story
'N' Play
Print the alphabet on a
piece of paper. Point to
Time
each letter as you sing
the Alphabet Song
together. Let your child
trace the letters. Pick
out the letters
25
26
27
used to spell
your child's name.
28
29
30
31
Makes the
Makes
the
World
FEBRUARY TIP OF THE MONTH
Create a special place for
Love
children to read and write that
is well lit and comfortable.
ipunoy
Story
Library
Cookie
Rhyme
Time
Outing
Creations
'N' Play
Have fun reading or telling
Visit the local
Ingredients:
Make up hand and body
stories with your child.
public library with
3/4 cup shortening
2 eggs
movements to go with the
SPECIAL ACTIVITY CENTER
Start by choosing books
your child. Find out
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking
2-1/2 cups flour
powder
words. Let your child follow
that are written for
the days and times
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
along.
children and have brightly
of special activities
colored, simple pictures. As
or story hours for
Mix shortening, sugar, one egg, and vanilla.
I'm a little teapot,
you read, let your child
children that take
Blend in flour, baking powder, and salt. Cover;
Short and stout.
point to the pictures and
place in February.
chill one hour. Roll dough 1/8 inch thick on lightly
Here is my handle,
talk about what is
Mark the dates on
floured board. using cookie cutter, cut in desired
Here is my spout.
happening to the
your calendar so
shapes. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Mix
When / get all steamed up,
characters and which
one egg yolk with 1/4 teaspoon water, then
Then / shout,
you remember to
character he or she likes
attend.
divide into three containers. Add a different
Just tip me over
best. Be sure to read with
drop of food coloring to each container and mix.
and pour me out.
lots of enthusiasm so that
using small brushes, paint the cookies. Bake 6-8
your child can tell you're
minutes in a 400 degree oven. you can also use
enjoying story time as well!
ready-made cookie rolls and frosting from the
grocery store.
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
Groundhog Day
Story
Library
Time
Make a story block.
Outing
Draw or cut out
pictures and paste
Plan a "TV Blackout"
Help your child write
Let your child help set
them on all sides of an
night. Instead of
and send a letter to
the table for dinner. Let
empty milk carton. Let
watching TV, read
a friend. Decorate it
the child practice
your child tell stories
aloud or play
with markers or
1
2
counting out forks,
3
4
by turning to the
5
games with your
6
crayons.
plates, or cups.
different pictures.
child.
7
Cookie
Rhyme
Abraham Lincoln's Birthday
Valentine's Day
Make Valentines and
Creations
'N' Play
send them to special
friends. Either use
Cut five different sizes of
purchased cards or
hearts out of paper. Mix
make your own out of
them up and place them
colored paper. Let
in a pile. Let your child
your child write
line up the hearts
8
9
10
or trace his or her
11
12
13
from smallest to
14
name on each.
largest.
Presidents' Day
Story
Play the "Color Game."
Point to solid-colored
Time
Teach your child the
objects and ask your child
name four things that
"Golden Rule" (treat
what the color of each is.
begin with the "B"
others as you would
Repeat the name of the
sound. now create
like to be treated).
color and let your child
a poem or story
Talk about what it
using the four
15
16
means and how it
can be followed.
17
18
guess the first
letter in each
"B" words.
19
20
21
word.
George Washington's
Story
Ash Wednesday
Birthday
Rhyme
Library
Talk about the difference
Time
Play "Search and Match"
'N' Play
between night and day.
Outing
with your child. Collect as
many pairs of shoes as
Let your child draw a
you can find in your house.
"night" picture and a
Mix them up and place
"day" picture. Print
them in a pile. Let
the words "day" and
22
24
your child match
"night"o each.
23
up the shoes
25
26
Let your child
trace the letters.
27
28
in pairs.
FEBRUARY
1998
nos
Watching
MARCH TIP OF THE MONTH
Limit TV viewing to no more than
Wisely!
two hours a night. Help children
make other choices for their free
time activities (e.g., reading, writing,
playing, talking).
23
Library
Story
Rhyme
Watch
Outing
Time
'N' Play
Me Grow
Visit the local public
Have fun reading or
Follow the motions with your child.
Materials:
library with your
telling stories with your
egg carton
SPECIAL ACTIVITY CENTER
child. Fnd a quiet
child. Try "Story Time"
open, shut them,
bean seeds
just before bedtime. Let
open, shut them,
corner where you
potting soil
and your child can
your child pick the
Give a little clap!
Open, shut them,
Poke a small hole in the bottom of each
look at the books
books he or she wants
your child chooses.
to read. It will help your
Open, shut them,
cup and fill the cups with soil. Plant two
child settle down for
Lay them in your lap.
bean seeds in each cup. Water the soit
March is a great
and put the cups in a sunlit place. Check
month to look at
sleep.
Have your child stand in a safe place.
every couple of days and water if the
books that help
Ask him or her to open and close eyes,
soil is dry. Every few days, check to see
your child learn
then mouth, then hands. Have your
how the seeds are growing. Measure
about colors,
child show you how he or she can open
the sprouts and keep a record of their
numbers, or letters.
and close arms. now repeat the rhyme.
size on the lid of the egg carton.
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
Rhyme
Print two sets of alphabet
Library
'N' Play
letters: one upper case
Outing
(capitals), one lower case
(small letters). Cut the
letters out, mix them
Plan a "TV Blackout" night.
up, and play a
Instead of watching
match-up game
TV, read aloud or
1
2
with your child
(A-a, B-b, C-c).
3
4
play games with
Dr. Seuss's Birthday
5
6
7
your child.
Story
Rhyme
Watch
Time
'N' Play
Me Grow
with your child, count
Help your child think of
out the number of
Watch a children's movie
an imaginary land. Make
forks, spoons, napkins,
with your child. Talk about
up a story of silly
cups, and plates
what is real and
characters who live
needed for dinner
what is pretend
in this imaginary
8
9
10
and let your child
set the table.
11
12
in the movie after
place.
it is over.
13
14
Rhyme
Plan a "green" dinner. Let
St. Patrick's Day
your child think of green
Story
'N' Play
foods to serve (e.g.,
Time
celery with cream cheese,
Go for a walk with your
green beans, lettuce,
child. Find a safe spot of
green apples, or
dirt or sand and let
cabbage) or add a drop
your child draw shapes
of green food
and letters in
15
coloring to
16
17
the ground
18
scrambled eggs.
with a stick.
19
20
21
First Day of Spring
Story
Library
Time
Play "Word Rhyme" with
Outing
Watch an educational
your child. Take turns
TV show with your child.
thinking of silly words
Talk about the child's
and saying as many words
favorite part of the
that rhyme as you can
show. What new
(e.g., fly, by, my,
22
23
things did your
24
25
pie, why,
child learn?
sky, shy).
26
27
28
Watch
Me Grow
MARCH
29
Play "Pat-A-Cake"
with your child.
30
31
1998
AROUND
APRIL TIP OF THE MONTH
Encourage your child to
experience and discover new
things. The more opportunities
children have to see and do, the
more they will understand the
world around them.
Story
Candy
Rhyme
Library
Time
Crystals
'N' Play
Outing
Have fun reading or
Ingredients:
Follow the motions with your child.
Visit the local
SPECIAL ACTIVITY CENTER
telling stories with
1 cup boiling water
1 glass jar
public library with
your child. Children
1 cup sugar
3 pieces of string
Five little monkeys jumping on the bed,
your child. Take
who learn to love
1 pencil
One fell off and bumped his head.
your child to the
books will be
Momma called the doctor and the doctor
children's section to
children who grow up
Combine the water and sugar in a dish. Stir
said, "No more monkeys jumping
pick out books to
to be good readers.
until the sugar is dissolved. Cool slightly.
on the bed!"
take home, read,
The very best time
Carefully pour the water into a jar. Tie the
string to a pencil. Balance the pencil across
and return during
for children to learn
Repeat using:
to love books is while
Four little monkeys
the next visit. As
the top of the jar with the string hanging
they are young. you
inside. Crystals will begin to grow in a few
Three little monkeys
soon as children
can help them by
hours. Check every few days. Ask your child
TWO little monkeys
are able to write
making story time a
questions about what is happening. Does the
One little monkey jumping on the bed,
their name, they
regular part of their
candy feel hard or soft? Does it taste sweet
He fell off and bumped his head.
can apply for a
day.
or sour? which is the shortest piece, which is
Momma called the doctor,
library card of their
longest? IS the candy growing fast or slowly?
and the doctor said
own.
"No more monkeys jumping on the bed!"
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
April Fools' Day
Story
APRIL
Time
Read or tell a favorite
story with your child.
Make your child laugh!
When you finish, ask
Tell a joke, read a
your child to tell you
funny story or poem,
what happens first,
1998
sing a silly song, or
1
2
second, and last in
draw a cartoon.
the story.
3
4
Story
Rhyme
Good Friday
Library
Time
'N' Play
Outing
Play a game by.counting
how many square-shaped
objects your child can find
Plan a "TV Blackout"
today. How many
night. Instead of watching
round ones? Which
TV, read aloud or
5
6
7
shape won (more
squares or circles)?
8
Palm Sunday
9
play games with
your child.
10
Passover begins
11
at sundown
Easter Sunday
Rhyme
Candy
'N' Play
Cut the tops off of three
Crystals
Help your child name the
carrots. Have your child
letters of the alphabet
place them in a shallow
in newspaper or magazine
dish with 1/2 cup of water.
headlines. Can your child
Water daily. Have your
find the letters of
child measure
12
13
his or her own
name there?
14
15
the green tops as
16
17
18
they grow.
Story
Earth Day
Arbor Day
Library
Time
Outing
Talk about a favorite
family tradition with
your child. What month
Let your child help set
is it celebrated in? Have
the table for dinner.
your child name
Practice counting
19
the months of the
year with you.
20
21
22
out forks, plates,
23
24
25
or cups.
Story
Help your child make a
Time
puzzle by cutting an old
photo, greeting card, or
calendar picture into
large pieces. Let him or
her put the
pieces back
together on a
26
27
28
29
30
sheet of paper.
Believe in Me!
MAY TIP OF THE MONTH
Eraser
Keep writing materials such as
washable, nontoxic crayons and
markers, paints and brushes,
and different kinds of paper
where children can reach them.
GLUE
Lollipop
Library
Story
Rhyme
Cookies
Outing
Time
'N' Play
Ingredients:
Visit the local
Have fun reading or
Have your child follow along,
3/4 cup shortening
popsicle sticks
public library with
telling stories with your
SPECIAL ACTIVITY CENTER
holding up the number of
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
2-1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
your child. Find out
child. As your child is
fingers as you say the rhyme.
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
the days and times
having fun hearing the
of special activities
stories, you are helping
one, two,
Mix shortening, sugar, one egg, and vanilla. Blend in
or story hours for
the child learn to think,
Buckle my shoe.
flour, baking powder, and salt. Cover; chill one hour.
children that take
and put ideas and
Three, four,
Roll dough into a long log that is 2-1/2 inches wide.
place in May. Mark
words together. Use
Shut the door.
Refrigerate one hour. Slice in 1/4 inch circles; place
the dates on your
different voices for the
Five, six,
on ungreased cookie sheet. Paint cookies by mixing
calendar so you
characters in the book,
Pick up sticks.
one egg yolk with 1/4 teaspoon pqwater. Divide paint
can remember to
use a puppet or a stuffed
Seven, eight,
into three containers; add a drop of food coloring to
attend!
toy to tell the story, or let
Lay them straight.
each. using small brushes, paint the cookies. Place a
your child "read" the
nine, ten, a big fat hen.
stick in the dough to create a "lottipop." Bake 6-8
book to you by looking at
minutes in a 400 degree oven. you can also use
now have your child jump or
the pictures and making
ready-made cookie rolls and frosting from the
hop each time you say a
up the story.
number.
grocery store.
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
May Day
Make a bouquet of flowers
Library
out of opened-up cupcake
MAY
Outing
liners. Write a message at
the center of each flower
for someone special. Glue
or tape a straw or
popsicle stick for a
1998
stem. Tie the flowers
together with a ribbon.
1
2
Read the newspaper
Story
comics with your child.
Rhyme
Let your child choose a
Time
'N' Play
favorite one to cut out,
Help your child make an
and have your child tell
indoor fort using a sheet,
you what is happening in
blanket, or towel. "Build"
the picture. Your child
it over chairs. Let your
can even make up a
child read books with
story to go with the
3
4
5
Cinco de Mayo
6
7
a flashlight inside
pictures!
the fort.
8
9
Lollipop
Rhyme
Cut the letters in your
Cookies
'N' Play
child's name out of a
magazine. Let your child
Let your child use chalk
give the letters in the
to make sidewalk
Plan a "TV Blackout" night.
right order on a piece of
drawings. Draw a circle
Instead of watching TV,
paper. He or she can also
and a square. Ask
read aloud or play
cut out pictures
your child to draw
10
games with your
11
12
to decorate
13
14
15
animals out
Mother's Day
child.
around the name.
16
of the shapes.
Go for a nature walk. Take
Rhyme
Story
Put together a costume
Lollipop
an empty egg carton to
'N' Play
Time
box for your child. Have
Cookies
collect treasures along
your child dress up in
the way. Later, let your
Play the color game. Point
old clothes, hats, scarves,
child glue the things that
to items around the house
and shoes. Then, your child
have been collected
or outside and have your
and friends can act out a
on paper and
child tell you what
favorite story
write the name
next to each item.
17
18
color you are
19
20
21
or make up a
new one!
22
23
pointing to.
24
Memorial Day (observed)
Rhyme
Library
Sketch an American flag on
Give your child a simple
a
a piece of paper. Tear up
job to do, such as cleaning
'N' Play
Outing
pieces of red, white, and
up toys, washing a sink, or
blue construction
feeding a pet. Have your
paper and have
child look at a clock at
your child glue
the beginning and
Story
the pieces onto
the end of the
Time
31
the picture, making
a "mosaic" flag.
25
26
job. Did the clock
change?
27
28
29
Memorial Day
30
(traditional)
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Richard W. Riley
Secretary
CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL SERVICE
Harris P. Wofford
Chief Executive Officer
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Donna E. Shalala
Secretary
BOOKS AND BEYOND
Ellie Topolovac
Executive Director
Sue Holtkamp
Assistant Director
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
Paula Taylor of Books and Beyond for writing and developing
this calendar; Eve Guianan of Books and Beyond for designing
and illustrating it; Sharon Robinson and Cynthia Dorfman
of the Office of Educational Research and Improvement at the
U.S. Department of Education for their support of this effort.
Celebrate!
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&
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51"
$
&
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AMERICA READS CHALLENGE
*
READY SET READ
50"
EARLY CHILDHOOD GROWTH CHART
49"
IN LANGUAGE
If you have concerns about your child's
Age
What many children da...
development talk with a professional
48"
such as a pediatrician...
ung
Newborn
Babies listen and respond to your voice and other
If your 3-month-old does not respond to
ables
sounds: they tell their feelings by cooing. gurgling.
your voice and other sounds.
smiling. and crying.
47"
3 to 8
Bables play with sounds, they babble to themselves and
If your 8-month-old is not making different sounds
months
They use sounds to communicate (smiling at the sound of
or does not reach for and grasp objects.
a happy voice, and crying or looking unhappy on hearing
on angry voice).Babies can play peek-a-boa They wave
arms and kick feet to show excitement and enjoy
reading with you.
46"
rawlers
8 to 12
Babies understand and respond to gestures.
If your baby does not look when people talk to him or her.
nd Walkers
months
facial expressions. and changes in tone of voice.
If your baby is not pointing at or making sounds to get
IF someone aska "Where's Monny?" babies will
what he or she wants. like favorite toys
look for their mother Bables understand simple words.
such as Da Da" Babies put books in mouth and turn
45"
pages in stundy books.
12 to 18
Babies say first words. They understand a few words
If your 18-month-old does not say more than
months
and simple directions. They know their own names.
a few words clearly.
They will give you a toy if you ask for it Babies create
44"
long babbling sentences and look at picture books with interest
Toddlers
18 to 24
Toddlers put two or more words together to make short
If your 20-month-old cannot follow simple
months
sentences like "want juice" or "car go." Toddlers learn new
requests. such as. "Come to Daddy." If your
words quickly. They can copy adult sounds. words. and
24-month-old does not use two words together.
43"
motions. Toddlers ask and answer simple questions.
They can use crayons and markers for scribbling
24 to 36
Older toddlers listen to stories being read They like to
If your 2-year-old does not ask questions
months
play pretend games. They love asking "Why" questions
or respond to simple questions with "yes" or "no."
They use "no" and "not" a lot Toddlers enjoy looking at
42"
picture books. turning pages. and naming objects in them.
They scribble with more control
Preschoolers
3 to 4
Young preschoolers make comments and requests. and
If your 3- to-4-year-old does not use language
years
tell others what to do. They can talk about things that
freely, experiment with verbal sounds. and begin
listen at tentively to
to use language to solve problems and learn
41"
Preschoolers
3 to 4
Young preschoolers make comments and requests. and
If your to-4-year-old does not use language
years
tell others what to do. They can talk about things that
freely. experiment with verbal sounds. and begin
happened and make up stories. They listen at tentively to
to use language to solve problems and learn
41"
stories and refell stories themselves. They enjoy books
concepts.
that tell about real things as well as make-believe. They
may revert to toddler behavior when feeling upset or shy.
They make shapes such as circles and squares and
pretend to write the way they have seen adults write.
40"
4 to 5
Preschoolers know the names and sex of family members
If your child is embarrassed and disturbed by
years
and other personal information. They play with words and
his or her speech. or if you or your child's care
make up silly words and stories. They are beginning to
giver have concerns about your child's language skills.
draw figures that represent people, animals. and objects.
They understand that pictures, numbers, words. and letters
are symbols of real things and ideas. They "write" as a way
39"
to tell stories and offer information. They enjoy "reading" on
their own. They may recognize a few words such as their
name or words on signs.
5 to 6
Children can recognize and reproduce many shapes. letters.
Work with your child's teacher to assess his or
and numbers. They are gaining control over writing and
her language skills through the elementary
38"
drawing tools. They understand that letters written on a
school system
page represent spoken words. They use invented spelling
(tp for top. Mry for Mary). They dictate stories for others to
write. They enjoy using computers.
37"
ACTIVITIES OHELP YOUR CHILD LEARN ABOUT ANGUAGE
Here are some activities to help your child learn about language. Do them as long as your child enjoys them. Then add new
activities as he or she grows older.
36"
Newborn
Listen and talk to your baby throughout the day.
to 3 months
Find out what your baby's sounds and actions mean Talk to your child about what he or she seems to be saying.
Take time while feeding. diapering. and bathing your baby. Sing songs, say nursery rhymes. and smile
and COO in response to the baby's smiles and COOS.
Smile and praise your baby for learning something new.
35"
3 to 8
Talk and play with your baby.
months
Use words and actions when talking with your baby.
Play games with your baby. such as peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake. that teach your child about taking turns
when communicating with another person.
Place a rattle in your baby's hand. Hold out a squeeze toy for your baby to grab.
Hand things to your baby and ask the baby to hand them back.
34"
8 to 12
Read and tell stories with your baby every day.
Make reading a shared experience. Point to pictures and name the objects.
lake Time while feeding. diapering and paining
and COO in response to the baby's smiles and COOS.
Smile and praise your baby for learning something new
35"
3 to 8
Talk and play with your baby.
months
Use words and actions when talking with your baby.
Play games with your baby. such as peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake. that teach your child about taking turns
when communicating with another person.
Place a rattle in your baby's hand Hold out a squeeze toy for your baby to grab.
Hand things to your baby and ask the baby to hand them back.
34"
8 to 12
Read and tell efories with your baby every day.
months
Make reading a shared experience. Point to pictures and name the objects.
Provide books that are safe to touch and taste. Cloth, vinyl. and washable books are good for babies.
Hold your baby on your lap while reading. and hold the book so that the baby can see the pictures.
33"
Use puppets. dolls, and other toys as story props.
12 to 18
Provide play reaterials that match your baby's skill and interest
months
Let your child "play telephone." Have a pretend telephone conversation
Let your child play with pots, pans. wooden spoons, plastic containers and other safe household items.
Arrange pillows and other objects on the floor for your child to crawl around and play with.
32"
18 to 24
Help your toddler talk about the present past and future.
months
Help your toddler learn new words to talk about what he did in the past and what he will do in the
future. "I think it's going to be sunny tomorrow What would you like to do?"
Discuss the day's events at bedtime. "Remember when we went to the park?"
31"
24 to 36
Read books and do activities that let toddlers join in
months
Play make-believe with your toddler. Provide props so that the toddler can play dress-up or doctor.
Arrange a special time for reading.
Respond to your toddler's request to be read to.
Read the same book again and again and encourage your todder to join in with the words he or she knows.
30"
3 to 4 years
Provide books in English and in your family's home language.
Let your child see him or herself in books. Choose books about families like yours and people from your oultural and ethnic group.
Have a special place for books. magazines. and other reading materials in the home Your child should be able to reach books
without help in a reading corner and in other places around the home.
Help the child to create his or her own "This Is Me" album and enjoy looking at and talking about the family album photographs. or
special memorabilia.
29"
4 to 5 years
Show your child how reading and writing are important in daily life.
Point out the print around you and how it serves a purpose. Watch television together and talk about books that
relate to topics seen on TV.
Let your child see you enjoying a book or magazine of ten.
Encourage reading in different places. When you leave home take books for your child to read in the car or on the bus.
28"
5 to 6 years
Make sure that your child has writing materials and places to write.
Let your child
you write every day.
and
chalk-In
box on a low shelf so that your child
again and again and encourage your todder to join in with the words he or she knows.
30"
3 to 4 years
Provide books in English and in your fc is ha language.
Let your child see him or herself in books. Choose books about families like yours and people from your oultural and ethnic group.
Have a special place for books. magazines. and other reading materials in the home Your child should be able to reach books
without help in a reading corner and in other places around the home.
Help the child to create his or her own "This Is Me" album and enjoy looking at and talking about the family abum photographs. or
special memorabilia.
29"
4 to 5 years
Show your child how reading and writing are important in daily life
Point out the print around you and how it serves a purpose. Watch television together and talk about books that
relate to topics seen on TV.
Let your child see you enjoying a book or magazine of ten.
Encourage reading in different places. When you leave home take books for your child to read in the car or on the bus.
28"
5 to 6 years
Make sure that your child has writing materials and places to write.
Let your child see you write every day.
Put the writing materials-paper. pencils. crayons. markers. and chalk-in'an open box on a low shelf so that your child
can reach them easily.
Talk with your child about his or her writing.
27"
If you cannot read the words your child has written. ask your child to read the writing to you Over time.
your child will learn how to write words that others can read,
26"
A Joint Project of the Corporation for National Service. the U.S. Department of Education,
the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and Books and Beyond
25"
PLEASE PLACE CHART 2 FEET FROM THE FLOOR