Chances are if you have a toddler in your home, your little one is enjoying the April selection from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library as much as this little cutie.
Corduroy’s Shapes is a delightful book that explores shapes using bold colors, wonderfully textured outfits, and appealing rhymes. A snuggle up bedtime story routine is essential, but no need to save this one for bedtime. With many of us now sheltering in place and being with our little ones all day, anytime is a good time to reach for a book.
Preschool teachers have long used books as a spring-board for play-based learning. With Corduroy’s Shapes, for example, why not have a Teddy Bear Picnic and make story-time a part of the activities. With this age group very little preparation is required. Just grab a blanket or towel and some “shape themed” snacks – think round cheerios or banana slices, square or rectangular crackers, cheese cut into triangles or diamonds -- the possibilities are endless. Of course, Teddy is invited and older siblings can join in the fun too. The key is to keep it simple and keep your expectations in check.
Commit to giving your toddler your
undivided attention for however long you can spare and then
just go with it. Don’t expect your
toddler to sit through a story before reaching for a snack, and don't make too many corrections. So what if your toddler reaches for the
triangular cheese slice while the page you are on is about circles? It’s just
another learning opportunity.
These moments are really about building
positive associations around books and reading which ultimately leads to better
learning outcomes. Keep it simple and just have fun.
Check back often for more
ways to support literacy development in engaging and non-stressful ways.
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Caron Bell, PhD, Early Childhood Development, and beginwithbooks.org volunteer
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