One of the key Executive Functions central to early childhood learning and development is Perspective Taking.
As Mind in the Making explains: “Perspective Taking goes far beyond empathy. It involves figuring out what others think and feel and forms the basis for children’s understanding of the intentions of their parents, teachers and friends. Children who can take the perspectives of others are also much less likely to get involved in conflicts.
Reading with a child offers the opportunity to learn beyond the story being told.
Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? by Bill Martin, Jr. and Eric Carle, MITM writes, is “a masterful book and noisy trip to the zoo! Polar Bear says he hears a lion roaring. Lion says he hears a hippo snorting. As the perspective shifts from animal to animal, children chime in, practice animal sounds and make predictions.”