Core Word Books
What are core word books?
Core word books are books with simple illustrations and sentences that use a targeted core word. The target word is used on each page, to emphasize it throughout the story.
*The books included on this website can be downloaded to your smart phone or tablet for a quick, no-print activity.*
How to use core word books:
1. Introduce the target word and the title of the story
a. Example: “We are going to read a new book today. It’s called Stop! Said the Cop.”
2. Take a “picture walk” through one book in the series.
a. Go through the book doing a picture walk to notice things. Whatever they notice, we value. They might notice something about an illustration or something in the text. They might point to something, and you can help describe what they are noticing.
3. Point out what you notice about the book.
a. Make some observations and connections for your child. You might point out an illustration that reminds you of something else, or text that looks interesting.
4. Read the book again and find the target word in the book
a. Example: “Let’s read it together again, and whenever we see the word ______, let’s find it on your device to say it!”
5. Make a plan to use or emphasize the target word at home
a. Play a game using the word (e.g., red light green light for stop/go)
b. Emphasize in conversation (e.g., “that dog is SO loud! Stop barking, dog!”)
c. Find examples of the target word at home, at the store, at the park, etc.
6. Continue emphasizing word for 2-3 days before moving on to the next book in the set. Re-read the story each night.
7. Have your child pick a new book that contains their target word.
8. Repeat directions from step one; do a picture walk and locate the target word in the book.