Activity Idea: Board Books

Infant and Toddler QuickSource® reminds us that there are many support activities that eventually support the development of reading and other literacy skills in infants. There are numerous skills than an infant develops during the ages of birth to 18 months and "by providing language and book experiences with infants, the caregiver can support this development and help the child begin the path to becoming a literate child."

Here's an activity called Board Books that will help the infant notice the pictures in a book and the infant will show interest in the pictures when they are named. For this activity, you will need a set of Touch & Feel Board Books (TFBKSET), a set of Wooden Picture Books (WOODBOOK), a set of First Baby Board Books (BBFIRST), a set of Black & White Baby Board Books (BBBLKWH), a set of Number Find Baby Board Books (BBNUMB), or a set of Animal Babies Board Books (ANIBAB).

Materials Needed:
Touch & Feel Board Books (TFBKSET)
Wooden Picture Books (WOODBOOK)
First Baby Board Books (BBFIRST)
Black & White Baby Board Books (BBBLKWH)
Number Find Baby Board Books (BBNUMB)
Animal Babies Board Books (ANIBAB)

Let's Get Started: 1. Board books (small, heavy-duty picture books) are great for infants 6-12 months, because the child is beginning to attend to engaging pictures. 2. Board books are very durable and can stand up to the child poking, grabbing and even throwing the book. 3. Choose board books that have engaging pictures for the infant. 4. Help the infant turn the page to look at the next picture. The child will usually begin to try to turn the page. If this happens, the caregiver should begin the page turning so the infant can grab the sturdy edge and make the effort to turn the page.

Furthermore....
As you turn the pages with the infant, name the pictures on each page.

If using POCET™, this activity corresponds with the devlopmental guidelines shown in Developmental Guideline: ER4: Notices Pictures in a Book.