Ask Questions, Build Skills
Questions can inspire and help children imagine and wonder. Ask questions and learn how to add new words into your vocabulary with Abby, Elmo, and Buzz.
Watch the video together. Then, throughout the day, ask “what if?” questions to inspire children to imagine and wonder.
- Try questions that lead to back and-forth talking, such as: “What do you see at this construction site?” Build on his answers: “I see the hammer, too. What do you think it’s for?”
- Family meals are a great time to ask one another questions. Try: “What was the best thing about today?” or “What do you think about…?” Kids’ answers will help you get to know their likes and dislikes and can lead to more questions and answers such as, “What are you looking forward to tomorrow?”
- Ask questions that encourage more than a “yes” or “no” answer to keep the conversation going. Go beyond “what” “who” “when” and “where” questions and ask “why” and “how” questions.
- If a bus passes by while you’re outside walking, ask: “What if you were on that bus? Where would you want it to take you?” Silly answers are okay, the goal is conversation!
Buzzing About Books
As children grow, they can engage with books (and caring grown-ups!) in special ways.
One More Time
There are lots of different ways to share the same story, again and again!
A Star Reader
There are many steps to reading, and all are important to becoming a great reader. It’s a process!
Grow, Grow, Grow!
A story about Elmo and his daddy using a book to grow a flower.
Tips for Shared Reading with Children Birth to Three
Tips for using reading time to bond with your child and build their language and literacy skills.
Tips for Shared Reading with Children Three to Five
Tips to make shared reading a time for learning and connection.
A Mighty Voice
Finding confidence in the ways that you tell stories will make them even more special to the children you share them with.
