Reading books with your child is a fantastic way to model and encourage language development. Valentine Gross-Out by Suzanne Lang is a fun, Valentine's Day-themed book for ages 3–6. You can borrow it from the Bracebridge Library or watch as a virtual read-along on YouTube with Moomi Read Alouds.
Although recommended for children ages 3–6, this book has language skills for all ages! For example, younger children (3–4 years) may benefit from modeling pronouns and expanding vocabulary, while older children (5–6 years) may be ready for sequencing and story retelling.
To ensure you're targeting the right skills for your child’s developmental stage, you can check our age-specific language goals and areas to support growth. This will help you focus on what your child is currently developing, as well as skills they may need extra practice with.
When modeling these targets, be sure to emphasize key words to help your child notice them. Repetition is key—hearing the same words and phrases multiple times helps reinforce learning. Encourage your child to use the same language targets by pausing, waiting for their response, or asking guiding questions.
1. Modeling Pronouns
“He really doesn’t like Valentines day!”
“She got a rose.”
“They are hugging!”
Tip: Expand by asking: What is he doing? Who is she looking at? What do you think he is going to do?
2. Plurals
The crocodiles are hugging.
The baboons are laughing.
The giraffes have long necks.
Tip: Use visuals or toys to reinforce the concept of "one" vs. "many."
3. Verb Tenses
Past tense: He went to the gorilla.
Present -ing verbs: He is looking at the cards.
Future tense: He will find a surprise!
Tip: "What did he do? What is he doing now? What will happen next?"
4. Expanding Vocabulary
Animal names: gorilla, crocodile, baboon, monkey, giraffe
Actions: hugging, laughing, reading, running, hiding
Feelings: grossed out, surprised, happy, annoyed
Tip: Introduce words in context: "The monkey is grinning because he thinks love is funny!"
5. WH-Questions
Who is sending the cards? (Who gave him the Valentine?)
What did he do when he got a card? (What was his reaction?)
Where did the animals put their cards? (Where is the mailbox?)
When did he change his mind? (When did he start feeling differently?)
Why did he feel grossed out? (Why doesn’t he like Valentine’s Day?)
How did the story end? (How do you think he felt at the end?)
Tip: Encourage predictions and reasoning: "Why do you think he thought it was gross?"
6. Sequencing (Retelling Events in Order)
1. He got Valentine’s Day cards.
2. He thought they were gross.
3. The other animals were excited.
4. He started to see Valentine’s Day differently.
5. He joined in the fun.
Tip: Use picture cards or visuals to help retell the story in order! Or take pictures of key pages to reorder the sequence.
7. Describing (Characters, Settings, Emotions)
Characters: Lionel (main character), gorilla, monkey, crocodile, baboons
Setting: Jungle, mailbox, trees
Emotions: Grossed out, surprised, happy, confused
Tip: Use a feelings chart to match emotions to expressions in the book!
8. Articulation Practice (Targeting Specific Speech Sounds)
/g/ – Gross, gorilla, giggle
/l/ – Lionel, love, laughing
/s/ blends – Stop, smile, smell
Tip: Have the child repeat words with their target sounds while reading!
9. Narrative Skills (Creating Their Own Stories)
What would Lionel do if he got a silly Valentine?
What if another animal thought Valentine’s Day was weird?
How would you make your own Valentine’s story?
Tip: Encourage children to draw and tell their own version of the story!
By modeling pronouns, plurals, verb tenses, and more, you can turn story time into a rich learning experience. Whether you’re expanding vocabulary, practicing articulation, or encouraging storytelling, these strategies make reading interactive and meaningful. Try incorporating some of these tips the next time you read together, and enjoy watching your child's language skills grow.
Happy reading!
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