Researchers have found that incorporating props with story telling increases a child’s literacy skills and there are simple things you can do at home to enhance the effects. Literacy is the number one tool your child requires to succeed out in the world. In fact, reading is the number one skill that fuels interest and success in regards to learning.
A study out of the University of Wisconsin focused specifically on the effect props have on children’s literacy. In order to do so they separated two groups of students into different classrooms where kids heard and practiced the same stories over a period of eight weeks, one group used reading props throughout the process and the other group did not. “This study found that the props had a positive effect on the children’s use of descriptive language.” (Read More)
Here’s why: Adding props to reading makes the experience more fun and interactive for kids. It also furthers their appreciation and understanding of the written word while simultaneously getting them to take away more fundamental concepts from every book that you read together.
At ABC Learning we incorporate props with reading on a regular basis, but there are also ways you can do so at home. Here are 6 ways you can fuel literacy by adding props to reading at home.
1. Have Children Retell The Story
After reading a story with your child prompt them to retell the tale in their own words. You don’t necessarily need physical props for this one; just have them go over the details of the story from start to finish so that someone who has never read the book would understand the overall premise.
The report from Wisconsin University published by Marie A. Stadler and Gay Cumming Ward found vast benefits from having children retell a story in their own words. Researchers say this is because when children retell a story they are forced to come up with some of their own vocabulary but they also tend to borrow vocabulary from the story they might not otherwise use. In other words they are actively growing their word bank. Other skills children actively sharpen while retelling a story include overall logic and patterns of stories as well as cause and effect.
2. Grab Some Helping Stuffed Animal Hands
Gather around your child’s favorite stuffed animals the next time you are going to read a story out loud to them. Have your child assign each character in the book a unique stuffed animal they can use to act out the story. This gets your child actively engaging even though you are the one reading the words off the page.
When your child acts out the story they understand it on a different level as opposed to just hearing the story. Pick stuffed animals that correspond at least somewhat to the text. For example, if you are going to be reading an underwater book grab all of the ocean-themed stuffed creatures you can find in your child’s toy chest. This is also a fun way to get more than one child involved, as you can assign a different book character and stuffed animal to each child.
3. Conduct A Puppet Show
A puppet show is an exciting way to get kids exploring literature. Start by picking out a book and reading it together. Then, have your child create puppets to resemble the characters in the story, or you can use puppets you already have. You can purchase a vast variety of puppets online or in store, but you can also easily make puppets using socks, brown paper bags, and a number of other items you likely have around the house.
Once your child is familiar with the story they can act out it out using puppets. This is especially fun with friends or siblings, and you can get in on it too. Have your child put on a play for a small audience to heighten the stakes.
First, have your child repeat the story just as it is told in the book using the puppets, and then allow them to get creative and come up with their own twists and turns using the same characters and story premise. This helps sharpen their imagination and gets them thinking about alternative twists and endings.
4. Dress Up Like The Characters
Read your child a book while they are dressed up as one of the characters. This will bring the story to life for your child, as they will literally feel like they are stepping into the shoes of someone in the tale.
While your child is dressed up as a certain character they can also act out the appropriate parts while you read. This helps keep them actively entertained and enjoying the story. If you have a couple of kids on hand have them all dress up as different characters in the story and act it out together. You can also put on a full play based on the story for other parents, siblings or friends. By acting out the book in person your child will understand the text on a different level and form a greater appreciation for good literature. (Read More)
5. Paint The Story
Read your child a story and then have them create a work of art using paints, markers or whatever you have on hand to represent the take away message of the story, their favorite scene or favorite character. Ask them to explain their drawing, with questions like: “What makes this character your favorite?” Or, “What would have happened if X had occurred during this scene instead of Y?”
Painting or drawing a certain aspect of the story is beneficial on its own but discussing it makes it even better. Encourage your child to try and write the title of the book at the top of their illustration in order to help fine tune their writing skills as well.
6. Using Books As Props
The most important props of all are plenty of good books. Getting kids excited about reading is all about introducing them to literature in a fun and accessible manner. The more books a child has access to the more they are going to read. It is recommended that all children have a fully stocked bookshelf in their bedroom even if they are not old enough to read on their own yet. Always be on the lookout for new stories you can engage with your child so that they have new material to enjoy instead of the same stories over and over.
At ABC Learning, your local coral springs preschool, we are all about incorporating props with reading in order to get kids excited about literature. Contact us today to find out more about our daycare and preschool programs for children 12-months to 5-years.