Recommended Age: 3y+
Level of Parent Involvement: Low
Prerequisites
- Device with access to youTube
Materials
Steps
- Set up a cosy listening place for your child (blanket, stuffed animal or small toy to hold, headphones, device nearby but not in the child’s hands). Have them use the bathroom before beginning.
- If possible, have the child listen without headphones, but quietly, so others can hear the story, too.
- Show the child how to start and stop the story, and how to tidy up the area when the story is finished.
- Ask questions afterwards. “What was your favourite part? What season are we in now? What season comes next / before?”
- Let them know they can listen to the same lesson anytime they like.
Variations
- Show your child how to set up a workplace with paper and crayons or other art supplies to use as he listens.
- An older child can draw a picture about the book that he listened to and you can invite him to tell you about the story with reference to his picture.
- The child can listen to the story with a blindfold on.
Notes
- Young children love listening to the same stories over–and–over again. Repetition is comforting, offering predictability and a sense of control. Hearing stories repeatedly also helps children develop an understanding of cause and effect and gives them an opportunity to absorb language patterns and new vocabulary.