Role Play Reading

In this phase children display reading-like behavior as they reconstruct stories for themselves. They show a natural interest in books and the language of print. They hold the book the right way, turn pages appropriately, look at words and pictures and use the pictures to construct ideas. They realize that print carries a message and can make links to their own experiences when listening to a book. They use pictorial and visual cues when listening or "reading" stories. They can recognize their own name in print.

Parent Tips:

• Read to your child as often as you can.
• Encourage your child to choose the books you read together and help him/her.
• Tell the story from pictures in the book.
• Talk about the books you read and the people, things and animals in them.
• Draw attention to the illustrations when reading to your child.
• Get a library card for your child and visit often.
• Select books that describe familiar experiences, concepts and objects as well as fairy tales and fantasy stories.
• Make sure your child sees members of the family reading.
• Buy books as presents. Let your child help you choose them.
• Keep audio tapes of favorite stories and songs in the car to play on long trips.
• Help your child to recognize his/her name.
• Write simple dedications inside the child's own books and encourage them to start building their own book collection.
• Teach your child nursery rhymes and songs.
• Make use of quality "book and tape" sets during busy times in the day.
• Select books that use repetition to capture the rhythm of language, e.g. The Three Billy Goats Gruff.
• Tell stories on the way to the store, at bath time, and at bed time.
• Always keep a selection of books in your car or bag.
• Place labels around the home, e.g. Kim's favorite books, window, refrigerator.
• Hold the book so the child can see the pictures and text.
• Let the child hold the book and turn the pages.
• Encourage your child to join in and "read" too.
• Leave the book handy for private readings to the "teddy bear".
• Talk about everyday print, e.g. "We are going in here to get a hamburger. See the sign? It says Harry's Hamburgers".
• Sometimes point to the words as you read.
• Talk about your plans, e.g. "Today I am going to make a cake. Let's look at the recipe."
• Before beginning to read, settle your child down and talk a little about the book, e.g.
"This looks as if it's going to be a funny story."
• Accept and praise your child's attempts to read.
• Visit the local book store.
• Fill your child's room with posters, books, pictures, mobiles of books
• Make a cloth book bag to take books with you wherever you go.