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: 48-54 Months

Click here to go to all skills for ages 48-54 Months.

Observe the adult sharing a new expository book.

The adult shows the child several pictures from the book to be shared, then asks the child what she thinks the book is about. Next ask her what she already knows about the topic. Then ask her what she wants to know about the topic.

The child demonstrates understanding and curiosity by discussing a topic. She is able to relate the book to what she already knows and raises questions about what is unknown.

Early childhood educators and parents can model asking questions and allow children time to think about what they would like to learn. The adult provides the model by saying, “I’m curious about (topic)” (e.g., floods): “I’d like to know …” (when floods happen). “What do you want to know about (topic)?” The adult can then introduce ways to find out the answers. Asking questions leads children to want to find answers. This is a foundation of learning.