Domain: NC Foundations for Early Learning: Language Development and Communication (LDC)

Subdomain: Foundations for Reading

Goal: Children develop interest in books and motivation to read.

Skill Progression: Develop interest in books and motivation to read

Age: 33-36 Months

Click here to go to all skills for ages 33-36 Months.

Observe the adult and child sharing a more complex story or an expository book about a topic of interest to the child. Expository books about strange animals or insects may elicit questions, as the content is unfamiliar.

As the adult shares the book, spend time on each page. Encourage the child to examine the pictures. If the child does not spontaneously ask questions, the adult can say, “I wonder what this animal eats. What do you wonder?”

The child asks questions, such as “What is this?” “Where is he?” “What is he doing?” etc.

Encourage early childhood educators and parents to share expository books with detailed pictures, as well as more complex storybooks with the child. The local library is a great resource! Expository books expand the child’s vocabulary, understanding of the world, and curiosity. More complex story books will have more detailed pictures, enabling the child to relate characters, actions and setting. Adults can encourage the child to ask questions that she can answer as they read a book. “What do you want to know?”