Vocabulary
Children learn new
vocabulary through exposure to rich language in books and in conversations with adults and peers. The following lists of titles show examples of texts that provide opportunities for boys and girls to increase their vocabularies. When read these books, children hear positional and directional words, words that can be classified as animal names and noises, words related to the garden, construction equipment words, and words you would hear on a farm. The content of these books also addresses indicators for the Early Childhood Math and Science Standards.
 | | I Love Animals |
| by Flora McDonnell (Candlewick; Brdbk edition, 2001, ISBN 0763615463) |
A little girl's love for all of the animals on her farm fills this charming book. Each page features a different farm creature and short, descriptive text that includes action words and animal noises. Children will love the big, bold illustrations and the smiles that are apparent on the faces of all of the animals. |
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 | | Noisy Forest! |
| by Harriet Ziefert and Simms Taback (Blue Apple; Brdbk edition, 2004, ISBN 1593540582) |
"We're heading to the forest on this clear and sunny day. Won't you come along with us and be noisy all the way?" Written in rhyme, this story asks boys and girls to join the forest animals in a noisy journey through the woods. Each forest friend has a specific noise, all its own, that is highlighted in bold print in the text. The colorful illustrations lead to predictions of which animal might speak up next on the "noisy" journey. |
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 | | This Little Chick |
| by John Lawrence (Candlewick; Brdbk edition, 2006, ISBN 0763628824) |
What does this little chick from over the way want to do all day? He visits with the other farm animals and begins to sound just like them. He quacks like the ducks, moos like the cows, oinks like the pigs, and baas like the sheep. His mother is very surprised by his new talents when he returns to the nest. The repetitive text and bright pictures make this book a favorite. |
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Babies and toddlers enjoy books about animals, especially those that include opportunities to repeat animal noises. After reading these books a few times, point to the creatures on each page and ask the children to repeat the sound that is significant to each animal. You might ask the boys and girls to describe their favorite animal after modeling descriptions that include color words as well as information about the animal.
Books selected and reviewed by
Carol Price. Carol Price has been a preschool teacher and director, a kindergarten and first grade teacher, an elementary principal, and a K-12 English language arts coordinator. Recently retired after working thirty years for Worthington Schools in Worthington, Ohio, she now spends her time as an educational consultant, workshop presenter, and adjunct professor at a local college. More importantly, she finally has hours and hours available to read newly released children's books and to curl up with a few of her old favorites, too.