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 has counting to 5, relationship words, and colors. Practice words: numbers to 5, under, on top of, over, behind, next to, inside, outside, color names, straight, and curved.
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.
Where is my cat?
- This cat is very good at hiding. The dark black of this cat helps it hide.
- What kinds of places would make it easy to see this cat?
- Where do you like to hide?