• Point to where your child is looking and say what it is. "That's the doggie, Hi Sammy!"

• Point to the pictures in a book and name what you see. Encourage your baby to point, too.

• Notice and respond to all different types of gestures your baby uses to communicate.

• Try activities that use the pointer finger. Pop bubbles, press buttons, or push into playdough.

• Say what your baby is pointing to. "Yes, that's daddy! I see daddy too."

What Are You Pointing At, Baby?

• Point to small parts of a toy like the wheels of a car or the ears of a bunny. Talk about the little pieces and parts.

• Blow bubbles and ask her to point to just one. Show her one you like and see if she can follow your finger.

• Acknowledge when they point to something. "Oh you see the apple, do you want an apple for snack?"

• Point to objects far away to draw attention to something you notice.

• Point to things you see. Describe them “There’s a red bird - he’s flying!”

• Point to where the words are while reading.

Learn By Pointing

• Point out features of text that add meaning to the story. “Those letters are big because he's yelling!”

• Acknowledge when your child points to something. It's what's important to him. Describe it using interesting words. “I see huge roots on that dandelion”

• Throughout a day, pick a shape or color and take turns to point out every time you see it. "Look the car tire is a circle."

• Follow the words with your pointer finger as you read out loud.

• Point out pictures, letters and words as you read.

Pointing at Words While Reading

• Point out similarities and differences to help celebrate diversity.

• Play games like “I Spy” and point out things you see around you.

• Point to letters and words for a new reader. For an older reader, point to parts of a word that may be hard to sound out but take your finger away for more fluent reading.

• Read “Seek and Find” books and point to objects you find. Take turns deciding what to look for.

A Child Becomes a Reader