ABC blocksSkills

There are six skill areas that will help prepare your child to get ready to read in school.

LOVE BOOKS
Print motivation: being interested in and enjoying books.

USE BOOKS
Print awareness: understanding that print has meaning; noticing print everywhere, not just in books; and also knowing how to handle a book.

LEARN WORDS
Vocabulary: knowing the name of objects

SEE LETTERS
Letter knowledge: knowing that each letter looks different from any other; knowing the name of letters and sounds.

HEAR SOUNDS
Phonological sensitivity: being able to hear and play with the smaller sounds that make up words.

TELL A STORY
Narrative skills: being able to describe objects, people and events, and to tell stories about them.

Recommended Books for the Youngest Readers

Board Books
Ideal for exposing babies to books with short text and bright pictures, and a sturdy cardboard binding. 

Concept Books
This type of book is good for babies and toddlers to letters, numbers, shapes, and colors. 

Wordless Books
These books allow children who might not be able to read text but can “read” the pictures and still tell the story.