Waves and Wiggles: A moving-counter play book with early letter shapes
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
Waves and Wiggles is an interactive play book designed to introduce young children to the shapes of letters through engaging illustrations and moving parts. The book features curved tracks that mimic early handwriting patterns, which help children become familiar with specific letters such as W, M, N, U, and V. With five sliding counters that have fingerholes for steadiness, and a rhyming narrative paired with bright illustrations by Ekaterina Trukhan, this book encourages the development of fine motor skills and letter recognition as children trace the letters with their fingers.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-5
Length
10 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What shapes can you find on this page? How do they move?
Can you trace the letters with your finger? What does it feel like?
What happens when you wiggle the book? Can you describe the movement?
Which shape is your favorite and why?
Do the shapes remind you of any object or thing you know? What are they?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to explore each page by asking them to touch and trace the shapes and letters, fostering tactile interaction.
Discuss the concept of movement illustrated in the book, and relate it to everyday objects that move in similar ways to support cognitive connections.
Highlight the colors and designs, prompting your child to express what they see and how it makes them feel, enhancing emotional and visual recognition skills.
Ask open-ended questions that require more than a yes or no answer to stimulate critical thinking and language development.
Praise efforts to trace and identify shapes and letters, fostering a positive learning environment and boosting confidence.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Recognition of Shapes and Letters
Explanation: Through interactive play with moving parts that mimic letters, 'Waves and Wiggles' makes identifying basic shapes and early letter recognition engaging for children.
Real-World Application: This skill helps children in everyday learning, allowing them to recognize letters in books, signs, and other environments, fostering early reading skills.
Example Lesson: Motor Skill Development
Explanation: The book’s design encourages children to manipulate small, movable parts, which aids in the development of fine motor skills.
Real-World Application: Developing fine motor skills is essential for tasks such as writing, buttoning clothes, or tying shoelaces.
Example Lesson: Cause and Effect
Explanation: As children interact with the book’s features, such as pulling tabs or lifting flaps, they see the immediate effects of their actions, teaching the concept of cause and effect.
Real-World Application: Understanding cause and effect can help children make predictions and understand the consequences of their actions in daily interactions and problem-solving scenarios.
Example Lesson: Persistence and Problem Solving
Explanation: The playful challenges presented by the moving parts require children to think and experiment, promoting patience and problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: These skills can help children navigate academic challenges, social situations, and various tasks requiring persistence.
Example Lesson: Enjoyment in Learning
Explanation: ‘Waves and Wiggles’ introduces educational concepts in a fun, engaging manner, making learning enjoyable.
Real-World Application: Fostering a positive attitude towards learning at an early age can lead to a lifelong love of education, encouraging continuous personal growth.