Dear Parents and Guardians:
Every issue of Ranger Rick Jr. is packed full of photographs of animals. As you read the magazine this month, help your child develop his or her observation skills by focusing on the similarities and differences between the animals pictured.
As you turn each page of the magazine, ask your child to name the animal in each photograph. Then ask him or her other questions about the animals. Here are some suggestions:
- What color is the animal?
- Does the animal have fur, skin, or feathers?
- Is there anything special about this animal?
You can find the following examples in this month’s issue of Ranger Rick Jr.
- The walrus (page 4) lives where it is cold. It has brown skin and two big teeth called tusks.
- The wombat (page 5) has brown fur. It lives on the ground.
- The macaws (pages 6-11) have feathers that can be many different colors.
- The dolphin (page 27) has gray skin. It lives in the ocean.
- The moose (page 32) has brown fur and really big antlers. This animal is taller than a man.
- The hippo (page 36) is very large. It doesn’t have a fur coat so it must live in a warm place.
Encourage your child to describe other animals he or she can find in books, magazines, on the Internet, or in your neighborhood.
Talking about animals can help your child develop observation skills and be fun for both of you.
Mike Wilson, Founder
Prekindergarten Reading Encouragement Project
PREP – Helping childhood literacy one family at a time.