Books are an important part of life. They give us information, teach us things and allow us to expand our imagination.
Our books center holds more than just books to read. There are other things that can help children build their pre-reading skills.
Story telling materials are a fun addition to any books center. We added 5 stuffed monkeys along with a doll bed for children to retell the popular story. Sometimes children add their own twist on stories, which is a great way to encourage their own creativity.
Not only are pre-reading skills being built, but other skills such as patterning and sizing. These are important math skills. We do not limit the skills that can be learned in any center. With this story telling material set children learned small, medium and large as well as telling the story in order.
Using story blocks in our books center allows children even more creative freedom. They are able to put the blocks in any order they choose and tell their own story. Teachers ask open ended questions to help build on the stories and the children’s ideas.
Puppets are a fun way for children to retell stories or tell their own. Have different characters to use help them learn about the roles people, animals, and things play in a story. Puppets are changed put monthly so children have opportunities to experience different characters.
It’s always nice to read with a friend. Having reading buddies around give children opportunities to practice sharing stories with a friend. Sometimes they just need a soft cuddly friend.