Every preshcooler develops at his own pace. Below are some things to look for and some ways you might respond. Speak with your child's teacher if you have questions about his literacy development. If you have serious concerns, you might also want to discuss them with your doctor or health care provider.

• Enjoy looking at books alone.

• Name some shapes and marks when scribbling or drawing.

• Remember words to simple songs.

• Use humor in language.

• Imitate your speech.

• Ask lots of "how" and "why" questions.

• Begin to copy marks and some letters.

• Remember and retell parts of stories.

• Keep books, paper and things to draw with handy for your child.

• Sing together often, especially songs with rhymes and movements.

• Read silly stories, play with words and laugh often.

• Add to children's comments and questions to make full sentences.

• Help children copy letters and words you write.

• Start writing down children's words about their drawings.

• Ask simple questions about stories you read.

• Begin visiting the library regularly.

• Recognize and print their own name without copying.

• Repeat short rhymes and songs on their own.

• Recall events and story details and create their own imaginitive stories.

• Enjoy voicing their opinion and telling you what words mean.

• Be able to tell if words rhyme and recognize beginning sounds.

• Recognize some words in print.

• Draw pictures and tell stories.

• Label lots of things with your child's name.

• Find storybooks based on favorite songs and rhymes.

• Encourage children to tell stories.

• Have real discussions with children about topics that interest them.

• Make lists together of favorite words and words that rhyme or start with the same letter.

• Point out letters and words in signs.

• Take part in library programs and get children their own library cards.

• Help children make thier own picture and word books.

Sesame Street Beginnings: Talk, Read, Write! was developed by Sesame Workshop and funded by the Prudential Foundation, The American Academy of Pediatrics has also endorsed this project.

Comenzando con Sesame Street: ¡Hablar, Leer, Escribir! fue desarrollado por Sesame Workshop con el generoso apoyo de The Prudential Foundation. El American Academy of Pediatrics también revisó el proyecto y brindó su apoyo.

© 2007 Sesame Workshop. "Sesame Street", "Sesame Workshop" and their logos are trademarks of Sesame Workshop. All rights reserved.