Reading together

Yesterday I saw an example of e learning from something we do a lot of, reading.  Sometimes it seems the best way to calm her is to read a book.  She has a lot, from old standards like"Goodnight, Moon," to books by popular new authors like Sandra Boynton.  Many of them are board books that she can handle easily.  One of E's favorites is Boynton's "Barnyard Dance," with lots of animal sounds.  Another favorite that she will reach for when faced with a choice of several toys and this book is "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?"  She has a set of three books by Michael Muller about a Boston terrier named Mirabelle who has adventures with her human, Mr. Muller.  The simple words and pictures appeal to her, and perhaps she sees on some level the similarity between Mirabelle and her own Boston terrier, Oscar.

Yesterday I sat on the floor with her, holding one of the Mirabelle books in front of her, and as I read aloud she vocalized along with me, as if she were reading the book to me.  It was the most fun!