The littlest beginning readers will love to play with this book’s chunky pages while they learn their first sounds and animals. Unusually shaped pages and an easy-to-grab handle make this the perfect book to share with your child, while encouraging the development of beginning reading and pre-reading skills like movement and reflexes. Cute and colorful illustrations will inspire you to moo, quack, and cluck along with all the animals on the farm!
Before, During and After Reading
Beginning Writing
Before reading the book, sit with your child and share the cover of the book with her. Let her hold the book and feel the different shaped pictures. Help her use her thumb and pointer finger to flip through the pages. This will help with fine motor skills needed for later writing development.
Oral Language
Point to the animals as you say their names. Pause and ask your child to touch the picture of the animal on the page you have just read; assist your child as needed to make her feel successful.
Read the book with enthusiasm as you say the sounds that the animals make. Encourage your child to imitate the sounds you make as you say: baa, moo, oink!
Phonological Awareness
Flip through the book and look at the pictures of the animals. Sing “Old MacDonald Had a Farm” for each of the animals you see.
Old MacDonald had a farm e-i-e-i-o
On that farm he had a cow e-i-e-i-o
With a moo moo here and moo moo there
Here a moo there a moo everywhere a moo moo
Old MacDonald had a farm e-i-e-i-o
Repeat the song with the other animals in the book.
Learn more about the importance of pre-reading skills as your baby grows, and find more easy activities to help strengthen these skills in your 6- to 11-month-old.
