You and your baby will enjoy looking at, talking about and reading this fun counting book together. You little one will definitely be attracted to these pictures of familiar toys, all with something special to look at or touch. Shiny foil, sparkly glitter, fuzzy velvet and raised textures will engage your baby throughout the book. It is perfect for little fingers to feel and explore.
Before, During and After Reading
Oral Language
Try handing the book to your baby to see if she wants to explore it first. This book has lots of fun words to get excited about, so find a time when your baby can be active. Talk about what you are about to do together.
For example: “Let’s look at this book, Susie. Can you see the balls, three balls? I can feel the fuzzy bumps. Can you feel them? Fuzzy, fuzzy bumps!” Gently guide her little fingers to feel the textures on the front cover. Help her turn the pages.
Letter Knowledge and Print Awareness
Sweep your finger under the words as you read them. Name and point to the pictures. Use a dramatic voice as you read, making the sound effects or using hand motions for the actions. Follow your child’s interest.
Phonological Awareness
Sing a song or say a nursery rhyme while showing pictures from the book. For example:
- Dog: “Bingo”
- Ducks: “Five Little Ducks”
- Bears: “Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear”
- Counting: “One, Two, Buckle My Shoe”
Make up your own version of a familiar song to go with the picture. For example:
- Fire engines: sung to the tune of "The Wheels on the Bus": The wheels on the fire engine go round and round…
Oral Language
Gather toys your child has that are illustrated in the book. Compare your child’s toys to the illustrations and talk about what you see. Count your child’s toys.
Learn more about the importance of pre-reading skills as your baby grows, and find more easy activities to help strengthen these skills in your six- to 11-month-old.
