Skill
Comprehends Pictures and Stories
Child draws meaning from pictures and stories, talking about and acting out what happens.
Ages 0–36 months
Why it matters
Making meaning from pictures and stories — naming what is happening, using new words from a book, and answering questions about it — is the heart of early comprehension. Shared book talk builds vocabulary, narrative thinking, and empathy for characters.
Builds toward this milestone
- comprehends meaning from pictures and stories. — Head Start ELOF
What mastery looks like
- Looks at picture books and attends as an adult talks about the pictures.
- Points at pictures and makes sounds or says words while sharing a book.
- Talks about books, acts out events from stories, or uses words encountered during reading.
How to observe it
- During reading, does the child point to pictures and comment or make sounds?
- Can the child use the pictures to tell or retell part of a familiar story?
Accessibility
- Slow the pace and follow the child's lead on which pictures to linger on.
- Use books that reflect each child's family, culture, and home language.
Activities
Evidence
- Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF) — U.S. Office of Head Start · 2015 · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Early Atlas