Just like adults, toddlers have stories they love to read again and again. While it may seem redundant to adults to read the same story repetitively, multiple exposures to the same literature offer an abundance of pre-literacy support for young children.

The Creative Curriculum approach introduces children to the characters of a story and the internal conflict even before the book is read. The first read gives us chances to expand vocabulary as we point to pictures, use gestures, and dramatize the story. We also wonder aloud, and ask follow-up questions. The second read is an opportunity to recall the characters and the problem, and reinforce some previously introduced words and concepts. On subsequent readings, children are guided to reconstruct the story while the teachers turn the pages, asking questions such as "What is happening here?" or "What happens next?".

In the Toddler Room, we are learning to retell some of our favorite tales using props and puppets to engage in the story. Retelling stories greatly improves children's reading comprehension and vocabulary, and helps children become more engaged in the reading process. This technique encourages children to think critically about the story and gives them opportunities to articulate their thoughts. Having concrete materials, like puppets, to manipulate during this process also allows children the creativity to develop stories and situations on their own.