To the Adult Reader:
Tips on how to use in Imaginary Zoo book with your child

The book was designed as a chapter book so that it can be read to your child in multiple sittings.

At each sitting, take the opportunity to ask your child probing questions about previous chapters before moving on to the next ones.

Take notice of “teachable moments” sprinkled throughout the story. For example, when Mr. Barker’s students “march left,” take a moment to ask your child, “Which is your left hand?”

Other Examples of "Teachable Moments:

When you come across “color” words like green, orange, blue in the story, have your child say the “color” and then spell it out loud so that he or she can learn and recognize that word when it is spelled out.

When you first come across each Zoopreme character’s musical instrument, ask your child, “What is that instrument?”

When you come to the part of the story that deals with the months of the year, ask your child, “How many months are there in a year?” Then ask, “What number is June? January? October?” Use the illustrations to relate the number of the month to the name of the month for your child.

FINDING TEACHABLE MOMENTS ARE A FUN WAY TO INCREASE YOUR CHILD’S GENERAL KNOWLEDGE WITHOUT INTURRUPTING THE FLOW OF THE STORY. SEE IF YOU CAN FIND OTHER TEACHABLE MOMENTS TO MAKE THE STORY MORE MEANINGFUL FOR YOUR CHILD.