Author: Cathy MacLennan

18 to 23 Months Poetry/Songs

Chicky Chicky Chook Chook will introduce your child to playful language that includes rhyme and alliteration. This enjoyable book will help build your child’s phonological awareness as he listens to engaging descriptions like "Sunny, sunny, hot shine. Snuggle, snuggle, sleepy shine. Lazy . . . dozy. Snoozy . . . woooooozy." Phonological awareness is just one of the pre-reading skills that are necessary for reading success.

Before, During and After Reading

Oral Language

Show the cover of the book and read the title as you trace under the words with your finger. Ask your child if he knows what animals are on the cover. Count the chicks with your child. 

 

Phonological Awareness

Simply reading this fun book to your child, using a rhythmic cadence, will help him pay attention to the sounds of language. It includes alliteration (e.g., kitty, kitty, kit cat) and rhyming (e.g., sticky, icky chicky; Soggy, groggy moggy) that will entertain and engage your child

Oral Language

Talk about the illustrations on each page. Ask your child to participate with questions such as: Can you buzz like a bee? or All the animals on this page are sleeping very quietly. Show me how you sleep quietly. After reading the words "What on earth was that?," ask your child what he thinks might have made the loud crash, bang noise.

Phonological Awareness

As you go through your day, describe things using alliteration or rhyming. You can include both real and nonsense words. For example, you might ask your child to: go get your shimmery, shiny shoes; find your funny, wunny, bunny; get your best, brightest, bluest ball.

Learn more about pre-reading skills for toddlers and pre-reading milestones. Then, discover easy activities designed to get your toddler on the path to reading readiness.