What would your child like to do after reading a story? Act it out, draw a picture about it, or put on a puppet show? Children love to do activities. These kinds of activities can help your child remember favorite characters and scenes from a book. This can help develop a better understanding of the story

Below is a sample activity to encourage your child's creativity and reinforce the meaning of a story. The book includes dozens of other activities your child will love to do.

I love reading with Mom and Dad!
I can't wait 'til we read another story
and do something fun after!
Ben, age 5

A Sample Story Activity from LET'S READ TOGETHER: A Parent's Guide To Beginning Reading

Hang It Up!

1. Ask your child to talk about the characters in the book and some favorite parts of the story. Looking back at the pictures will help your child remember the story.

2. Decide which characters, objects, and scenes you will use for your mobile.

3. Use colored paper, markers, felt,sequins, glue, and other materials to draw pictures and create three dimensional objects for your mobile. For example, for "Jack and the Beanstalk" you can make a cow, beans, a beanstalk, a castle, a giant, gold coins, and a golden goose.

4. Attach your items to a clothes hanger with string or yarn.

5. Find a special place to hang up your mobile. When your child sees it, the story will come alive again.