Before Talking
Talk with your child before they can talk or even understand the words. Point at, name, and describe things you see, such as shapes, colors, comparisons, and quantities. As your child begins to understand words, ask about a thing and have your child point at it. For example, “Where is the ball?” If your child can’t find the thing, point to it for them.
Early Talking
As your child begins to understand and say words, mix in simple questions. Freely help with answers as needed. If you point and say “Is this red?” and they don’t know, supply the answer. If you say “Count the blocks.” and your child does not know how, point and count the blocks with them “one, two, three.”
Math Themes and Words
This story talks about extremes of describing words, and counting to 6 with one more or one less. Words to practice are: too, cold, warm, hot, light, dark, day, night, clean, dirty, small, big, short, long, wet, dry, thin, thick, low, high, new, and old.
Read, Talk, and Have Fun!
The supplied questions and comments are just the beginning.
For the 1st reading, read the red questions and comments.
For the 2nd reading, read the blue questions and comments.
For the 3rd reading, read the green questions and comments.
After that, follow your child’s interests and let your discussions go in fun directions.
This is Cat.
This is Dog.
- Count the animals together and describe their colors.
- Which one has shorter ears? Which one has longer ears?
- Which one has short whiskers? Which one has long whiskers?