Preschoolers and Kindergarten aged kids LOVE a good story. How do you know if it’s a ‘good’ story for 3-6 year olds?
1) They will request it to be read again…and again…and again.
Although you may be tiring of reading the same story over and over, try to keep your enthusiasm! Multiple readings increase your child’s vocabulary, improves listening skills, and builds a sense of story. It opens up opportunities to briefly discuss story elements (sequence of events, characters, setting, beginning, middle, end, etc.). Most importantly, rereading books generates enjoyment and positive memories/experiences of interacting with you and books – creating a foundation to build the love of learning for years to come!
2) They aren’t completely quiet as you read.
Do you hear your child trying to chime in on some of the words or phrases as you are reading? That’s a wonderful sign that you’ve found a perfect book with engaging text! The text in the book is probably repetitive, predictable, contains rhyme, or silly/nonsense words. It may even be able to be sung.
3) They ask questions and/or make observations.
Are your kids making connections between the illustrations and what is being read aloud in the text? Are they making predictions about what they think might happen next? This shows they are interested and making connections! They may be able to relate to the characters (people and animals) and look forward to turning the page and seeing what happens to them!
4) They continue to refer to the story long after it is over.
Do you overhear your child spontaneously retelling the story to someone else? Do they make statements in their play and everyday living referencing some connection back to the book? Do they desire to act out parts of the story? These are positive indications that you’ve found a great book for them!
Whether teaching in a Kindergarten classroom or reading to my young children at home, these were the signs that a ‘good’ book had been discovered!
Over at Hubbard’s Cupboard, I have listed more than 25 ‘good’ books to use with preschoolers and kindergarten children. Each book link gives ideas for rereading the book over a period of five days and lessons to accompany each story. May you be able to adapt these story lesson ideas and use them within your own home or classroom to encourage a love for reading!
What are some books that your 3-6 year olds ask to have read again and again?
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