BostonPL_Play: 9 Picture Books to Support Early Literacy

Play is one of the five early literacy practices outlined by the Every Child Ready to Read initiative. Research shows that children who have more time for child-directed play have better executive function--the part of the brain that helps regulate emotions and develop concentration. As preschoolers act out everyday scenes and explore household objects, they strengthen their narrative skills and expand their vocabularies. As they use their fingers to manipulate objects, they strengthen the fine motor skills they will need to write. As they use their imaginations, they begin to understand symbolism: A toy boat stands in for a real one, just as the word "boat" stands in for the object itself. The books on this list model, celebrate, direct, and inspire play!