Activity
Board Book Exploration
Children handle sturdy books at their own pace, turning pages and connecting pictures to words.
Ages 6–30 months
Supports this milestone
- handles books and relates them to their stories or information. — Head Start ELOF
Materials
- A basket of sturdy board, cloth, or touch-and-feel books
- A soft, comfortable reading spot
Steps
- Let each child choose a book and explore it however they like.
- Sit alongside and notice what they look at without rushing.
- Name a picture the child is looking at and talk about it.
- Gently model turning pages, then let the child do it.
- Follow the child's lead, returning to favorite pages as often as they want.
Variations
- Offer touch-and-feel books to invite exploration through texture.
- Read a favorite aloud while children hold their own copies.
Differentiation
- For infants, choose cloth or chunky books that are easy to grasp and safe to mouth.
- For older toddlers, invite them to "read" the book to you.
Accessibility
- Provide high-contrast or tactile books for children with vision differences.
- Choose books reflecting each child's family, culture, and home language.
Safety
- Offer only sturdy books with no loose or small parts for children who mouth items.
Practices these skills
Evidence
- Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF) — U.S. Office of Head Start · 2015 · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Early Atlas