"Thinking Cards!" for Home Literacy Fun

There is no substitute for that cozy, one-on-one time spent with your child sharing a book- especially a favorite one, that they seem never to tire of hearing over and over. But have you ever wondered how to "get creative", and turn the reading time into a truly fun, and interactive experience? Look no further- "Thinking Cards" may be just what you'll love to turn a simple book into a great opportunity to foster comprehension in your youngest readers.

These simple cards can be used with any storybook. And they are easy to make yourself with a pack of colored index cards. You will make a set of 11 cards; cut each index card into a small, child-friendly size, a little smaller than the size of a playing card. Each will be used by your little reader to engage him in a different "Good Reading" strategy. Cards will be placed on pages in the storybook by the child to mark off a particular page, depending upon the focus of the card.

The 11 cards will include:
"Favorite", which will be placed at his favorite page in the book
"Problem", which is for the page where the main character in the story first encounters some problem or difficulty
"Question", to be placed where your child expresses a question about the text, or illustrationˇ
"Share", a card that your child might put on a page that is special, and that he might like to share with someone
"Treasure Word", a card that would be slipped in where your child encounters a new word that he has never seen before
"Think About", which might go on a page that includes some text that may be though-provoking, confusing, or particularly interesting
"Saying", a card which could be tucked in to the page where your child finds the dialog particularly interesting
"Connection", which would be perfect on a page where the child is able to make a connection between the character or situation and something that has either happened in his life, or in another book that he remembers and finally "B", "M", and "E" cards which your child could place at the all important beginning, middle and end of the story.

Each of the cards should be illustrated and labeled by your child with an appropriate picture (depending upon his age, you might do this), and should be laminated for use over and over with many storybooks.ˇ This fun activity touches upon the elements of narrative text comprehension, and makes the reading process interactive and a delight for children.

Most of all, have fun when reading with your child! The world of children's books is virtually endless, and the research into early literacy continually brings us parents and educators the same important message: There is a direct connection between early exposure to books, through reading, and being read to, and the academic success of students through their educational years. So go make a pack of "Thinking Cards", and read together!