Seeking reading materials to add to your parenting tool kit for young kids? These books can help.

Ethan Estevez goes through a flip-book at Idaho State University Speech Language Pathology and Audiology Clinic on Dec. 12, 2023. (Courtesy of Idaho State University)

Educators are often asked “how do you know that your teaching is working?”

One of my favorite stories involves a teacher who heard a little scratch on the door of her classroom and went and opened the door and found two kids there, holding hands. They were graduates who had moved on to the first grade. They said “can we borrow some books from you because our class doesn’t have a library?” Another time a little girl said to her teacher “can I take two books home tonight, one for me and one for my baby brother?” Another teacher went to the auditorium with her class and they had to wait for the previous group to finish, so she told them to bring books. The teacher looked down the aisle and every one of her first graders was sitting, engrossed in a book. The answer had come: “ My teaching’s working.”

Early literacy focuses on developing skills that help children develop fluency and comprehension. In a previous discussion called These 9 hacks will help get your Idaho student ready for kindergarten, I explored problems and solutions regarding kindergarten readiness.

There are many great materials for early learners that add to your teaching and parenting tool kit. In my decades of teaching learners of all ages, I’ve come across a great number of board books that align with Idaho’s kindergarten standards. They foster the development of early literacy, social-emotional learning, and an appreciation for the natural world. Through rich stories and engaging illustrations, these books support key benchmarks such as recognizing upper and lowercase letters. They also aid in exploring foundational storytelling elements and understanding basic science concepts about the environment and animals. These books also complement kindergarten standards including connecting story events to real-life experiences and identifying the main topic or key details of a text. As children interact with the pages, they’ll develop fine motor skills, practice recognizing patterns and sequences, and build vocabulary. Here are some of the selections:

Introduce young readers to important milestones with books like “First Joys,” by Véronique Joffre, where children can celebrate the little pleasures that make life special, and “Baby on the Way,” by J.D Forester, a charming story to help prepare for the arrival of a sibling. Graduations, even at a young age, take on an adorable twist with “Happy Graduation, Corduroy!” by Don Freeman, featuring the beloved bear in an uplifting tale of achievement. These books serve as gentle ways to discuss new experiences and build excitement for the big moments in life.

Spring comes to life in enchanting books like “Little Bunny, Spring is Here!” by Deborah Marcero and “The ABCs of Spring” by Jill Howarth. These stories not only celebrate the changing seasons but also encourage little readers to observe and appreciate the natural world around them. With vibrant illustrations and lyrical storytelling, these books are perfect companions for the warming months.

For budding singers, dancers, and dreamers, board book originals like “Harry Styles: A Baby’s First Biography” offer a playful introduction to musical inspiration, while “This is Ballet: And Other Classical Dances” introduces young readers to the grace and beauty of classical dance. These stories ignite creativity, confidence, and a love for the performing arts in future stars.

Fans of Eric Carle can journey through titles including interactive gems like “The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Vegetable Garden: A Search-and-Find Book” and “The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Jungle Hide & Seek: A Finger Trail Lift-the-Flap Book.” These interactive experiences bring Carle’s vibrant artwork and timeless storytelling to life, engaging young readers in fun, hands-on learning activities.

Animal enthusiasts will adore titles like “Birding for Babies: Birds Around the World,” by Chloe Goodheart, a captivating introduction to global bird species, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Animal Colors,” an exploration of colors through the animal kingdom, and “Bluey and Bingo’s Book of Bugs,” by Sarah Jospitre, where the lovable Australian pups guide children on a charming bug-filled adventure.

Problem-solving is an essential skill for young learners, helping them build resilience and confidence as they navigate challenges. Books like “Ruby Finds a Worry” by Tom Percival guide children through understanding and managing emotions, promoting self-awareness and problem-solving skills. “What Should Danny Do? The School Day” by Adir Levy and Ganit Levy introduces readers to a choose-your-own-adventure format that encourages decision-making and exploring consequences, aligning well with social-emotional learning goals in the kindergarten standards. These books give children tools to approach problems with a positive and proactive mindset.

Books that celebrate diversity and foster empathy help children understand the value of differences and the importance of inclusion. Titles like “All Are Welcome” by Alexandra Penfold provide a heartwarming narrative about celebrating cultures and embracing everyone in a community. Similarly, “Hair Love” by Matthew A. Cherry showcases the bond between a father and daughter while emphasizing the beauty of individuality. These stories not only promote empathy but also align with Idaho’s standards on developing listening skills and relating stories to personal experiences.  They offer children the tools they need to grow into thoughtful, compassionate, and confident learners.

Board books are filled with opportunities to spark joy, inspire creativity, and foster a lifelong love for reading in young children. This passion for reading thrives when children truly enjoy the experience. Just as fast food chains market their burgers with enthusiasm, we can “advertise” reading by sharing captivating stories and poems with our children.

By fostering a reading habit, we empower our children with essential tools for success in life. Accessing knowledge through the written word is vital—books are powerful reservoirs of information. It also enriches our minds and offers moments of relaxation and enjoyment. With your guidance and support, children can develop a lifelong connection to the printed word. As they grow, they will become adults who read fluently and often.