Building a Child’s Library for Learning
Books are terrific tools for learning. From board books for littles to chapter books for middles, books promote literacy and broaden a child’s world. Use these tips to encourage literacy, emotional regulation, and art.
Books make wonderful gifts for kids of all ages. Build a library with special books you can read to and with your children and grandchildren. Don’t forget to write a special message and the date in the book. A child’s personal library is a treasure!
LITERACY
Littles With young children, read the book with the pictures first. Ask kids what they think the story could be about. Identify the letters of the alphabet beginning with letters in the child’s name. Identify colors and shapes too. Follow with your finger as you read to teach the left-right structure of the written word. Develop comprehension skills by asking questions. Keep in mind, young children love to read the same book numerous times, so be patient.
Middles Read chapter books with older children. Reading aloud and alternating readers throughout the book gives kids an opportunity to build confidence reading aloud and to hear the story as they follow along. If there is dialog in the story, use voice inflections of the various characters to help the story come alive. Ask open ended questions to start a conversation for not only comprehension, but to develop thinking skills.
EMOTIONAL REGULATION
Littles Use the characters to identify emotions. Determine the emotions by looking at facial features and expressions. Use voice inflections to help define the character’s emotion. For example, read in a loud voice for “big emotions” or sentences ending with an exclamation point. Ask questions to help with problem solving to help the child build tools for situations he will encounter.
Middles Take time at dramatic moments in the story to talk about what the characters are experiencing. Continue the conversation to build empathy and problem-solving skills. Use open ended questions, “What would you do?” Discuss what might come next in the story.
ART
Littles Look for colors, shapes, and textures. Identify spaces and places the child will encounter such as the park, school, ocean, zoo, barber shop, and other settings.
Middles Supply a variety of art supplies to illustrate favorite or exciting parts of the book. Re-read descriptions of places and characters for details. Work together to create a masterpiece!
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© 2026 Becky Danielson. All rights reserved.
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