Benefits of Reading

• Children become better at reading – practice makes perfect. 
• Improves concentration.
• Teaches children about the world around them
• Improves vocabulary and language skills.
• Develops a child’s imagination.
• Helps children to develop empathy by reflecting on the characters or situation. 

When choosing a book for emergent literacy development, you can choose books that consist of the following:

• A book that suits the age and language skills of the child.
• A book with colourful pictures.
• Sensory books – books consist of various textures.
• Books with rhyming words.
• Books that show actions.
• Books that make noises.

How to read

• Reading the book word for word is not necessary when your child is young. By talking about the pictures, you’re still helping in developing their understanding. 
• Read slowly and discuss the sounds/letters in words.
• Discuss the pictures in the book e.g. “Oh what a big green tree”
• Ask WH questions (who, where, what, when, why and how) e.g. “What do you think will happen next?”, “why is the boy feeling sad?”, “Where is the teddy going?”
• Relate pictures/situations to personal experiences e.g. “That blue bike looks like your bike”
• Discuss the sequence of the book e.g. “First the boy went to the market, then he went to his friend’s house”.
• Re-read the book if your child is interested in that book. 

Examples of books 

• Dr Seuss Books – Rhyming and repetition
• Picture Books (e.g. Hungry Caterpillar) – Nouns

Written by Senali Alahakone – Speech Pathologist at De Silva Kids Clinic.