Interaction between Children with Developmental Delays and their Mothers during a Book‐sharing Activity

Abstract

Mothers and their preschool children with developmental delays participated in a storybook activity. Data analysis focused on the relations between maternal and child behaviours in the activity. Several aspects of mothers’ behaviour were related to children's engagement and responsiveness during the task. The more responsive and engaged the child, the more the mother attempted to involve the child in the book activity. Interviews indicated that children's positive attitude towards reading was associated with frequency of reading activity. We conclude that mothers were sensitive to their children's developmental levels and organized the activity in ways appropriate to the child's ability and willingness to participate.