Stages of Literacy a Guide for Parents: 2-3 years

Milestones: -learns to handle paper pages -flips through pages to find favorite pictures -recites whole phrases -coordinates text with pictures -may recognize when adults says incorrect word in favorite story -reads favorite books to self -recognizes self in mirror -asks questions to gain information What you can do: -provide your child with opportunities to use crayons and other writing utensils. -use books in routines -read at bedtime -be willing to read favorite stories over and over and over! -ask questions Whats that…? -relate books to experiences Books to read:  DePaola, T., & Shapiro, A. (2002). Mice squeak, we speak (Board book ed.). New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons. This board book teaches animal sounds through a beautifully written rhyming poem. This easily read repetitive text will have your toddler "reading" it in no time. Parents can ask: Ask children to complete the rhyming text. What animal screeches? What is your favorite animal in the book?                                                                                         Parents can also ask children to make the animal sounds in the book as                                              they are reading or without it! Gillingham, S., & Siminovich, L. (2009). In my pond. SanFrancisco: Chronicle Books, LLC.  This simple finger puppet board books allows the fish to take you on a tour of his pond home through the use of die-cut pages. The puppet and construction of the book is inviting to young readers. The imagery used in the book will expose children to new language (waving grass, splashy blue water, shiny stones) Parents can ask: Where is the fish now? What are those? Why is the                                             fish happy?                                             Parents Can: Pretend to be fish with their children. Willems, M. (2004). Knuffle Bunny: a cautionary tale. New York: Hyperion Books for Children.  This humerous tale of a lost toy will have parents chuckling. This story is relatable to both preschoolers and adults and parents can easily help children make connections from the book to their own lives. Parents can ask: What is your favorite stuffed toy? How would you feel if you lost it?