Observe the adult and child reading an animal book or playing with toy animals.
The adult makes animal sounds for the different animals.
The child imitates the animal sounds. Ability to imitate sounds accurately is a foundation for the child to isolate the sounds in words when reading.
Help early childhood educators and parents understand the importance of the child hearing sounds and being able to imitate them. This is precursor for phonological awareness. Adults can make sounds when reading and playing with toys. Taking turns making sound effects will encourage the child to both create and imitate sounds.
 North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, 2015
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