Stages of Literacy a Guide for Parents: 3-4 years

Milestones: -competent book handling -turns paper pages one at a time -listens to longer stories -can retell a familiar story -understands what text is -moves finger along text -writes their name -moving towards letter recognition -begins to play with words (rhyming etc) -counts syllables in words What you can do: -ask “What’s happening…?” and “What happened…?” -provide materials for drawing and writing. recognize any work as "writing" -let your child “read” the story to you -practice writing their name with your child Websites to check out: starfall - letter identification and reading practice Books to try: Wells, R. (1997). Bunny cakes. New York: Dial Books For Young Readers.  "Bunny Cakes" is a funny story about Max's quest to make a cake for his grandmother's. This book will encourage children to do some of their own writing just as Max does in the story. Parents can ask: Why do you think Max didn't get what he asked for? What is your favorite part of the story? Which cake do you like best? Why?  Parents can make a connection with this book by creating  recipes with their children and have their children "write" them.                                                                   Emberley, E., & Miranda, A. (1997). Glad monster, sad monster: a book about feelings. Boston: Little, Brown A colorful book about feelings complete with a monster mask for each feeling. Children can learn to express how they are feeling using this text. Parents can ask: What makes you feel sad? What makes you feel angry? Parents can have children practice making each facial expression that goes with the feelings. Parents can also have children draw pictures of what makes them feel different emotions. Taback, S. (1999). Joseph had a little overcoat. New York: Viking.  This repetitive text lends itself to repeated readings and allows children to "read" to themselves. Parents can ask: What do you think Joseph will make now? Have children complete the sentences (Joseph had a little over coat it got old and ______). Parents can also brainstorm with their children what they could do with their old and worn items.