# Talk and Read Together Cards

Use one prompt at a time during a shared book or ordinary conversation. Respond to your child's interests and communication. You do not have to finish the book or obtain an answer to every question.

## Notice together

Point out something the child is looking at: “That dog is running.” Pause. A look, gesture, sound or word can be a response. Follow what they notice next instead of quizzing them on all the pictures.

## Add a little

If the child says “truck,” you might add “a big truck” or describe what it is doing. Leave room for them to continue. The aim is a shared conversation, not a correction after every word.

## Return to a familiar page

Read a favorite page again. Invite participation in a phrase or action the child recognizes, without making it a requirement. Familiarity can leave more room for noticing a new detail.

## Imagine another part

With a preschooler, wonder what a character might do next. “Where do you think they will go?” You can offer your own idea and listen to a different one. A picture choice or drawing can take the place of a spoken answer.

## Use the languages you share

Talk in the language or languages that help you connect. You can discuss a picture even if the book's printed language differs. Find professional communication information if you have a concern rather than assuming multilingual experience is the cause.

[Read about speech and more than one language](/resources/speech-and-more-than-one-language/)

## Three illustrative beginnings

- **Baby:** show one picture, name it and respond to the baby's attention.
- **Toddler:** follow a pointed-to item and add a short description.
- **Preschooler:** choose a familiar character and invent another part of the story together.

## Our own invitation

**A book, picture or daily activity:**

**A short opening:**

**Ways the child can respond:**

Borrow a book, use an existing drawing or talk about something outside. Buying a new resource is not necessary to begin.

[Read the full talking and reading guide](/resources/talking-and-reading-together/) · [Explore everyday connection](/resources/everyday-caregiving-and-connection/)

Edition: October 2026. National Parenting Foundation. [Reuse and permissions](/permissions/).