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: 8-10 Months

Click here to go to all skills for ages 8-10 Months.

Observe the child when books are nearby on the floor or low shelf. Watch the adult and child reading several books.

The adult can point to the books and then hold a book up for the child to see. Ask the infant to look at certain pictures as they are named and pointed to. “See the doggie.” When the book is finished ask, “More books?”

When a book is read, the child looks at what the adult is pointing at.

Early childhood educators and parents can play an important role in literacy development by encouraging the love of books. Encourage adults to read many simple board books to the child. It is an opportunity to help the infant develop vocabulary illustrated in the books, relate the vocabulary to what he knows, and increase attention span. Explain that wanting the same book to be read again is a positive sign that the child is beginning to recognize certain enjoyable aspects of the book.