How libraries can promote the 6 pre-reading skills through storytime
Print Motivations – Thinking that books and reading are fun
- Make storytimes fun by being creative and enthusiastic
- Vary programs using a variety of activities and story formats
- Invite guests with special interests or skills
- Create interactive storytimes where children can take part
Vocabulary – knowing the names of things
- Talk, talk, talk and listen twice as much
- Help children know that they and their opinions are valued
- Ask questions, encourage discussion
- Introduce new words and concepts , use descriptive language
- Challenge children with both fiction and non-fiction
Print Awareness – recognizing print and understanding how books work
- Use big books and point to words as the story is read to show left to right
- Explain the format of a book – cover, title, author, illustrator, dedications page
- Provide parents with handouts and the skills to practice at home
- Label everything and then point out words in the library
Letter Knowledge – understanding that each letter has its own name and sound
- Supply alphabet letters, games, books and songs
- Have posters and writing tools so children can visualize letters and begin to make them
- Encourage children to print their own names on nametags
Narrative Skills – being able to tell stories and describe things
- Provide puppets, costumes, toys or flannel boards so children can create their own stories or act out stories shared during storytime
- Encourage children to tell you what they think the story will be about or ask for a review of what happened in the story
Phonological Awareness – being able to recognize and play with smaller sounds that make up words
- Play with words, rhymes, songs, poetry
- Read boos that have rhythms and rhyming words
- Clap syllables in words and songs
- Emphasize particular letters or sounds in stories or activities