Presentation

  1. 1

    Invite the child to the book corner and show how to choose a book by looking at the covers.

  2. 2

    Carry the book with two hands to a table or rug.

  3. 3

    Show the front cover and title. Open the book from the front.

  4. 4

    Turn pages slowly from the top right corner, one at a time.

  5. 5

    Look at or read the book together, pointing to the words from left to right.

  6. 6

    Close the book and return it to the shelf facing out.

Extensions, easiest to hardest

  1. Pointing out the title, author, and illustrator
  2. Listening to a read-aloud in a small group and talking about it
  3. Reading a known phonetic book to an adult
  4. Reading aloud to a younger child in the classroom

Control of error

The adult models and gently shows again when a book is handled roughly.

Ready to move on when the child…

  • Chooses a book, looks at it, and returns it independently
  • Turns pages one at a time without tearing
  • Once reading, reads a short book aloud to a younger child

Guide note

Include books in the home languages of the children. Choose realistic stories and nonfiction for younger children.

Try “pink tower”, “tummy”, “diaper”, “grace and courtesy”, or “October”.