How to Use Our Bundles
We recommend that you read the book before you share it with your child. Then try reading it with your child a few times before introducing the toys. Be sure to gesture the words using the cues, but don’t use all the language and play tips in one reading. Bring the toys out a few at a time. Don’t worry about finishing every page. Take time to encourage conversation and play. Notice how your child’s understanding develops.
Spark your child’s imagination by adding in different toys. Take the bundle to new places and talk about the story, props, and activities outside of reading and playtime.
Tip Icons help bring the Bundle to Life
Imitation
These tips help you spotlight story events and vocabulary. To help your child’s concept and vocabulary development, make the suggested gesture and wait for your child to imitate.
Language
These tips help your child learn new words, combine words in new ways, and think and talk about the story. As your child becomes more familiar with the story, offer more chances for them to talk.
Play
Use these tips to help your child learn more complex play skills and gain practice turning their ideas into words and actions.
More Tips
Don’t worry about getting through the whole story. Stop when your child loses interest.
It is okay to ‘play’ for a while on a certain page, even if you only finish a page or two.
Use the book bundles often with your child.
Always encourage your child. Be specific. “Wow! You drove like me!” “We are driving.”
Praise your child’s attempts! If your child says a word incorrectly, smile and repeat it with the correct pronunciation. That will encourage your child to try again next time.
Avoid “Test” questions like, “what color is this?” Instead, use “fill in the blank” to encourage thinking like “the Bear is driving his ____.”
Be playful! Take turns letting your child use the toys and talk.
Interactive Learning in Action
As children bring the story to life, they learn new vocabulary, gestures, and concepts. Story comprehension and retelling skills increase too!