| When reading to your baby you should keep it | | | | children who recognize familiar words and sound out |
| interesting and try to read books they seem to like, as | | | | new words with help. |
| you're reading follow along with your finger or your | | | | STEP 3: READING ON YOUR OWN Grades 1-3 |
| baby's finger to get them involved. It's okay when | | | | Longer sentences Engaging characters Easy-to-follow |
| they're ready to move on to something else, we all | | | | plots For children who are ready to read on their own. |
| learn better in short sessions and once they are | | | | STEP 4: READING PARAGRAPHS |
| thinking of something else it's counterproductive to try | | | | Grades 2-3 More challenging vocabulary Short |
| and keep them there, just take a break, let them play | | | | paragraphs Exciting stories For newly independent |
| and come back to it later. Pick books that seem to | | | | readers who read simple sentences with confidence. |
| interest your child or let them pick out the book they | | | | STEP 5: READY FOR CHAPTERS |
| want to read, this will help keep it fun and keep them | | | | Grades 2-4 Chapters Long paragraphs Full color art |
| more interested in story time. | | | | For children who want to take the plunge into chapter |
| A great place to start is the baby friendly pictures and | | | | books, but still like colorful pictures. For more advanced |
| textures of the Melissa & Doug or Rosalina baby | | | | readings, try the popular Magic Tree House series. |
| books, these soft touch baby books are great for | | | | With three categories to choose from you will always |
| infants and toddlers alike. They have soft flexible fabric | | | | have a new and interesting book to read. |
| pages with color pictures and images to help your child | | | | Merlin Missions - This series is packed with magical |
| learn shapes, colors, animals and vehicles. They also | | | | tales. |
| have a large selection of other topics in this category, | | | | Magic Tree House - Great stories of history, mystery |
| such as religion, clothing, counting and the alphabet, | | | | and adventure. |
| many of these books are even machine washable. | | | | Research Guides - Packed with beautiful pictures and |
| Once they are ready to venture to The Step Into | | | | interesting information about animals, space and the |
| Reading series, your child will have a fun and endless | | | | earth. |
| opportunity to educate and develop their growing mind. | | | | Remember start reading to your child from infancy. It is |
| The series is broken down into five categories: | | | | never too early to snuggle up with your baby and start |
| STEP 1: READY TO READ Preschool-Kindergarten | | | | reading, it's soothing to hear your voice and you're |
| Big type and easy words Rhyme and rhythm Picture | | | | forming a close bond. When you read to your child, |
| clues For children who know the alphabet and are | | | | you enhance emotional and social development which |
| eager to begin reading. | | | | gives your child a good base from which to build |
| STEP 2: READING WITH HELP Preschool-Grade 1 | | | | they're education. |
| Basic vocabulary Short sentences Simple stories For | | | | |