Whoever You Are
by Mem Fox
Every day all over the world, children are laughing and crying, playing and learning, eating and sleeping. They may not look the same. They may not speak the same language. Their lives may be quite different from each other. But inside, they are all alike.
Ready, Set, Read!
Let your baby take the lead when you read. Your baby may only sit still for a page or two, turn pages too quickly, or only want to look at one picture and then be done. It is perfectly normal for baby to want to “taste” a book. Follow your baby’s lead to make reading time a positive experience. Make books a part of your daily routine and read before naptime and/or bedtime. Put a book in your diaper bag to read to baby while out and about. This will nurture their love of books and reading from the beginning.
Reading Tips for Little Learners
Read with fun in your voice
Build vocabulary by focusing on and talking about new words.
Connect the story to your child's world.
Ask your child questions about the book and encourage them to ask questions.
Make reading part of your everyday routine.
When you read the words, whenever possible, act them out too!
Hold the book so your child can see the pictures.
Make the plot come alive by discussing the illustrations.
Pre-Reading Building Block
Before beginning to read, turn to the first page of the book. Spend some time looking at the characters on the page. Discuss their features with your child. Where are the eyes? Where is the nose? Where is the mouth? Point to these features on your child as well, inviting them to practice naming their body parts.
Let's Play
This book reminds us that we all share the same feelings and features. Sit or stand with your child in front of a mirror. Gently point to the mirror and say phrases like: "Look, a baby!" "You have eyes." "We smile." Smile, wave, and make faces in the mirror. If the child responds, copy their expression and say, "Same!"
