This small board book is an introduction to our sense of hearing and the things we hear every day. Simple pictures and rhythmic text make it a good choice for little eyes and ears. Emphasize each of the fun sounds in the book to help build beginning reading skills like oral language.
Before, During and After Reading
Oral Language
Show your baby the cover of the book, and talk about the dog and his big ears. Touch your baby’s ears or blow soft kisses on his ears. Tell him you are going to read about things we can hear with our ears.
Oral Language
As you read the story with your baby, make the sounds or act out the actions described on each page. Make a “tick tock” sound for the clock; “pop” like popcorn; show your baby how you clap, snap and tap. Try to make the same sounds, gestures and actions each time you read. After repeated readings, he will eventually start to imitate you.
Phonological Awareness
From time to time during the day, repeat some of the words or phrases from the book with your baby. See if he will imitate you. Here are some examples:
- Tick Tock Tick Tock (move your head back and forth as you say Tick Tock)
- Pop Pop Pop (Say these words with an exaggerated movement of your mouth)
- Boom Boom Boom Boom Dum Dum Dum (Tap on a pillow or table as if playing a drum)
For more stories about parts of the body, check out these books:
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.
