Who can resist this bouncy rhyme about letters racing each other to the top of the coconut tree? As each letter tries to get to the top first, the little coconut tree starts bending under the weight of the whole alphabet. Will there be enough room for all twenty-six letters? And who will get there first? Teaching children the alphabet is fun with this book’s colorful pages and infectious rhyme.
Before, During and After Reading
Oral Language
Before reading the book, sit with your child and share the cover of the book. Read the title and point out the letters a, b, c. Ask your child what he thinks is going to happen in the book.
Letter Knowledge
Point to letters as you say them. Pause and ask your child to point to specific letters, assisting as needed to help him feel successful.
Phonological Awareness
Read the book rhythmically to expose your child to the sounds of language and rhyme. As you read the story, clap out or stomp the syllables in chicka chicka boom boom, and ask your child to imitate you.
Chic (clap) ka (clap) Chic (clap) ka (clap)
Boom (clap) Boom (clap)
Letter Knowledge
Play games that relate to letters.
Fill a bag with alphabet letters. Have your child pick out a letter, and then ask him which letter it is. You might say:
What letter is that? That’s right, it’s /b /b/ B.
Follow your child’s lead and repeat the activity as long as he is interested.
Find more recommended children’s books for toddlers 12 to 17 months, or find an easy at-home activity designed to strengthen pre-reading skills in your toddler.
