The Power of Reading Picture Books to Young Children from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

How reading dramatically impacts future academic success
Learn the many strategies for improving vocabulary through reading aloud
Learn strategies for reading to infants and toddlers
How reading picture books develops cognitive thinking and memory skills

How to select the highest quality books for your child
How to determine which books match your child’s age and cognitive level
How libraries can be used to select a broad range of books that interest your child
How reading can enhance your child’s social development

How reading dramatically impacts future academic success
Learn the many strategies for improving vocabulary through reading aloud
Learn strategies for reading to infants and toddlers
How reading picture books develops cognitive thinking and memory skills
How to select the highest quality books for your child
How to determine which books match your child’s age and cognitive level
How libraries can be used to select a broad range of books that interest your child
How reading can enhance your child’s social development

Syllabus

Reading Picture Books to Young Children (ages 0-5)

Chapter 1 – Vocabulary and Language Development

Reading aloud to young children is critical for their language development and vocabulary.
When listening to a story, children are exposed to new vocabulary and learn to use context to understand, even if the vocabulary is above a child’s developmental level.
Parents can engage children by asking questions and interacting with the child while reading, reading with expression, and editing length of a story based on interest.
Reading aloud helps expose children to vocabulary through alliteration, onomatopoeia, and poetry.

Chapter 2 – Infants and Toddlers

Infants and toddlers have a strong ability to learn languages, even before they can speak.
Infants and toddlers can begin exploring books early through touch, sight, touch, and listening.
Parents can use books to interact with infants and toddlers by following their interests.
The three-period lesson allows infants and toddlers to develop vocabulary through modeling and repetition.

Chapter 3 – Cognition and Memory

Reading to young children increases cognition and memory.
Children can pursue their interests through books.
Reading aloud helps children develop early literacy and numeracy skills.
Children can learn about the world around them in developmentally appropriate ways.

Chapter 4 – Social Development

Children can see their own lives reflected in books, as well as those of their family members.
Books can teach or model routines and rules for young children.
Siblings and young peers can interact and relate to each other through reading.
Children will learn about themselves and their emotions and develop a sense of humor.

Chapter 5 – Illustrations

Choose books with illustrations that are simple and relate to the text.
Children notice details and patterns in illustrations.
Interactive illustrations or photographs engage the child deeply in the book.
Wordless books with in-depth illustrations allow readers to adapt the story and discuss what children see.

Conclusion

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides foundational guidance for parents and caregivers to nurture children's language development and vocabulary through shared reading

Introduces various strategies for engaging infants and toddlers in reading, fostering their early literacy

Emphasizes the importance of illustrations in enhancing children's understanding and engagement with books

Includes a curated list of over 450 recommended picture books, providing parents and educators with a valuable resource

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Power of Reading Picture Books to Young Children with these activities:

Brush Up on Vocabulary Building

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Strengthen your vocabulary and enhance your reading comprehension

Browse courses on Vocabulary Expansion

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Review strategies for vocabulary building, such as using flashcards, reading widely, and engaging in word games
Practice applying these strategies in your daily reading and writing

Explore the 'Read-Aloud Handbook'

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Broaden your understanding of read-aloud techniques by exploring this comprehensive guide

View Jim Trelease's Read-Aloud Handbook: Eighth... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of the 'Read-Aloud Handbook'
Review the book, focusing on key strategies and tips
Incorporate the techniques into your own reading practices

Engage in Reading Aloud Practice

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Improve your reading fluency and comprehension by practicing reading aloud

Browse courses on Reading Comprehension

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Choose a text to practice reading aloud
Read aloud for a set amount of time, focusing on clarity and expression
Record your reading and listen to it to identify areas for improvement

Six other activities

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Participate in a Reading Challenge

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Motivate your reading journey and set a personal goal by participating in a reading challenge

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Find and register for a reading challenge that aligns with your interests or goals
Set a reading goal for the duration of the challenge
Track your progress and adjust your reading habits as needed

Picture Book Creation

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Create a picture book that demonstrates your understanding of the principles of picture book creation.

Browse courses on Children's Literature

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Brainstorm a story idea.
Write a rough draft of your story.
Illustrate your story.
Revise and edit your book.

Summarize Reading Strategies

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Reinforce your understanding of reading strategies by summarizing them in your own words and share with others to solidify your learning

Browse courses on Reading Comprehension

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Review and identify key reading strategies covered in the course
Summarize each strategy in your own words, highlighting its purpose and application
Share your summaries with peers or classmates for feedback and discussion

Attend a Storytelling Workshop

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Enhance your reading skills by attending a storytelling workshop

Browse courses on Storytelling Techniques

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Find and register for a storytelling workshop focused on improving reading techniques
Attend the workshop and actively participate in the exercises and discussions
Implement the storytelling techniques learned in your own reading practices

Volunteer at a Literacy Program

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Deepen your understanding of the course concepts by volunteering at a literacy program

Browse courses on Community Engagement

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Find a local literacy program to volunteer with
Assist with reading activities, such as tutoring or leading group discussions
Reflect on your experiences and apply the knowledge gained to your own reading practices

Contribute to Open Educational Resources

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Enhance your understanding by contributing to and sharing educational materials

Browse courses on Community Involvement

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Identify open educational resource projects related to reading and literacy
Contribute your knowledge and skills by creating or editing content, designing activities, or offering feedback
Collaborate with others in the community to improve the quality of educational resources

Career center

Learners who complete The Power of Reading Picture Books to Young Children will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

School Librarian

School Librarians play a vital role in shaping children’s lives through their love of reading. You can maximize the success of your career as a School Librarian by taking this course. Specifically, you will improve your ability to help young learners find books that they will love, fostering a lifelong love of reading in them and their families. In addition, you will learn about strategies for reading to students of all ages to maximize their engagement and cognitive development.

See salaries and explore the career path for School Librarian

Children's Book Author

Children's Book Authors create magical worlds and memorable characters that spark a love of reading in young minds. Taking this course can provide you with valuable insights into the process of writing for children. You will learn about effective strategies for engaging young readers, developing compelling characters, and crafting stories that resonate with children's imaginations.

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Elementary School Teacher

Elementary School Teachers guide young learners through their formative academic years. This course can provide you with additional tools to enhance your teaching practices. You will gain insights into effective strategies for reading aloud to young children, fostering their language development, cognitive skills, and social-emotional growth.

See salaries and explore the career path for Elementary School Teacher

Literacy Coach

Literacy Coaches support teachers in developing effective reading instruction practices. By taking this course, you can further enhance your expertise in supporting children's literacy development. You will learn about research-based strategies for teaching reading and writing, assessment techniques, and methods for creating a supportive learning environment.

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Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-Language Pathologists evaluate and treat communication disorders. This course may be useful for Speech-Language Pathologists who work with children with language delays or disorders. You will learn about the importance of reading aloud to young children, strategies for supporting language development, and how to use books to facilitate communication.

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Childcare Provider

Childcare Providers care for and educate young children in a variety of settings. Taking this course can help you create a stimulating and language-rich environment for the children in your care. You will learn about the benefits of reading aloud to young children, age-appropriate book selection, and strategies for engaging children in interactive reading experiences.

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Pediatric Occupational Therapist

Pediatric Occupational Therapists help children with developmental delays or disabilities to participate in everyday activities. This course may be useful for Pediatric Occupational Therapists who work with children with sensory processing disorders or other challenges that affect their ability to engage with books. You will learn about the therapeutic benefits of reading aloud, strategies for adapting books to meet individual needs, and how to use books to promote sensory exploration and development.

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Early Intervention Specialist

Early Intervention Specialists provide support and services to young children with developmental delays or disabilities. This course can enhance your ability to work with families and children in your role as an Early Intervention Specialist. You will gain knowledge about the importance of reading aloud to young children, strategies for promoting literacy development, and how to use books to support children's overall development.

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Bookseller

Booksellers share their love of books with customers of all ages. This course can provide you with a deeper understanding of children's literature and the needs of young readers. You will learn about effective book selection strategies, how to create engaging book displays, and how to recommend books that will resonate with children's interests and developmental stages.

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Publisher

Publishers bring books to life and make them accessible to readers. This course may be useful for Publishers who specialize in children's literature. You will gain insights into the process of selecting, editing, and marketing children's books. You will also learn about the importance of creating high-quality books that meet the needs of young readers and educators.

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Reading Specialist

Reading Specialists provide targeted support to students who struggle with reading. This course may be useful for Reading Specialists who work with young children. You will learn about effective strategies for teaching reading, assessment techniques, and how to use books to support struggling readers.

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Educational Consultant

Educational Consultants provide guidance and support to schools and families on educational issues. This course may be useful for Educational Consultants who work with young children or families. You will gain knowledge about the importance of early literacy development, strategies for supporting children's reading skills, and how to advocate for policies that promote literacy.

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Child Psychologist

Child Psychologists assess and treat mental health disorders in children. This course may be useful for Child Psychologists who work with children with developmental delays or disabilities that affect their ability to engage with books. You will learn about the therapeutic benefits of reading aloud, strategies for using books to address emotional and behavioral issues, and how to promote literacy development in children with special needs.

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Librarian

Librarians provide access to information and resources for people of all ages. This course may be useful for Librarians who work with children or families. You will learn about the importance of early literacy development, strategies for creating a welcoming and engaging library environment for children, and how to promote literacy through programming and outreach.

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Social Worker

Social Workers provide support and services to individuals and families facing challenges. This course may be useful for Social Workers who work with children or families. You will gain knowledge about the importance of early literacy development, strategies for supporting children's reading skills, and how to advocate for policies that promote literacy.

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