FM.G.54 TURNS PAGES OF A CARDBOARD BOOK

Once your child can turn pages of cardboard books by himself, he will be able to start looking through these books on his own. Of course, this should not mean the end of looking through such books with you!

How to Assess

Materials: A book with cardboard pages.

Method: Hold the book open in front of your child. Demonstrate turning a page. Ask your child to turn a page.

Score plus if your child separates and turns one page.

How to Teach

To begin with, separate the page to be turned from the others by placing your finger in between. Guide your child’s hand to slide between the pages and turn the page over.

Gradually reduce the space you allow between the pages. If your child lifts more than one page, say: ‘You’ve missed one. Turn one page.’ You can give a further reminder by demonstrating the use of the forefinger to lift one page away from the others.

Playtime and Round-the-house Activities

Include books in your child’s play materials and let him enjoy them on his own, as well as with you. There should be no need to set aside special time to teach page-turning, as books will be part of the natural pattern of your day, brought out at rest-time and bedtime, and whenever you have a quiet moment together.

Remembering and Extending

This skill is extended by the next 2 skills in this sequence, which teach the child to turn the pages of a paper book.