Get your 3 to 4 year old ready to read and learn with these age-appropriate story recommendations.
How can we help our children as they are learning to read? One of the building blocks of reading competency is phonetic awareness. What are the sounds that make up a written word?
Phonemic awareness refers to the ability to hear and tell the difference between words, sounds, and syllables in speech. These are four elements of phonemic awareness: rhyme, hearing syllables, blending and segmentation. When we read aloud to children it is a terrific time to hone these skills. Here is a selection of classic titles that demonstrate these essential parts of beginning reading.
Great books for this age children reflect their everyday life. Books with early learning concepts like up and down, colors, numbers, and the alphabet will help children begin to connect the words and pictures on the page with their physical world. Begin interacting with the page and the child: "Do you see the cat? Where is the cat? Yes, the cat is up on the table." Practice inferring from the words and pictures. Ask the child before we turn the page what they think what happens next.
Owl Babies
by Martin Waddell
Three baby owls awake to learn their mother has gone on her nightly flight. They're worried, and a little bit afraid of the scary things around them, but have one another to look after and comfort. Not surprisingly, she returns to three joyous, flapping, bouncing babies. This reassuring book simply and beautifully explores the common childhood fear of separation.
by Martin Waddell
Three baby owls awake to learn their mother has gone on her nightly flight. They're worried, and a little bit afraid of the scary things around them, but have one another to look after and comfort. Not surprisingly, she returns to three joyous, flapping, bouncing babies. This reassuring book simply and beautifully explores the common childhood fear of separation.
by Robie Harris
This older brother didn't know that having a new, little brother meant big changes. And he's ready to mail Harry to the moon! Even though he's fed up with Harry's crying and having to share Grandpa's lap, the older brother learns that a little brother can also mean adventure and friendship. This humorous story book wonderfully captures a very common childhood experience.
Mama Cat Has Three Kittens
by Denise Fleming
Skinny, Fluffy, and Boris follow their mother's lead for a day. Well, Skinny and Fluffy tag along--Boris naps. While he sleeps, the other kittens chase leaves and sharpen their claws. But when Mama Cat and the two kittens snuggle up for a nap, Boris is ready to play! As the pages turn, ask your children what they think will happen next and be prepared for, "Boris naps."
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
by Bill Martin Jr. & John Archambault
The building blocks of written English, the alphabet are animated in this rhyming romp. A told B and B told C, "I'll meet you at the top of the coconut tree." Children will soon be chiming in "Chicka, chicka, boom boom, will there be enough room?" Illustrators Lois Ehlert's bright bold graphics are sure to make letter recognition, capitol letters and small case, easy and fun.
Ten Puppies
by Lynn Reise
Woof! Introduce your young reader to basic arithmetic and vocabulary in the most endearing way possible: with Mother Dog's ten new puppies! As you read along, have your child keep tally of the puppies by noting their unique physical features--"eight had pointed noses. Two had flat noses. / Seven had floppy ears. Three had perky ears."
Source: nickjr dot com
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