Tell Stories About Everything
Children need to understand that stories have a beginning, middle and ending before formal reading instruction begins.
Understanding the sequence of events in a story will help children’s comprehension. The ability to describe things and events and to develop stories is referred to as narrative skills, and is critical in learning to read.
Use dialogic reading by asking open-ended questions that can’t be answered with a simple “yes” or “no” response.
Younger children benefit from hearing you talk about your activities, while older children can relate their activities to you.
Activity Time!
- Look at the picture on this page and ask your child, “What book do you think a turtle might like to read?”
- Plan your day by talking about what you’ll do first, next and last.
- Use stringing beads or other toys where you create a sequence and encourage children to recreate the sequence.
- Sort items (buttons, blocks, etc.) by size, shape and color.
- Talk about activities in the order that they occurred.
- Ask your child to tell you about his or her day.
- Have your child draw a picture. Then let them tell you what is happening in the picture. Write their words on the picture.
- Practice numbers by counting things you see and do during the day.
- Encourage your child to reenact a story you’ve read, such as Caps for Sale, The Mitten or The Carrot Seed.
More 6 by 6 Skills
more skills
Look for Letters Everywhere
Notice Print All Around You
Take Time to Rhyme
Talk, Talk, Talk
Tell Stories About Everything
Have Fun with Books
6 by 6 - Tell Stories About Everything
Picture Books for Teaching Cause and Effect
Bedtime
My Favorite Books to Read with Babies
Rhymes and Fingerplays OnDemand
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