Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the differences between
mothers’ and grand mothers’ picture book reading behavior with children of
ages 2 and 4.
Methods: Participants were twenty 2 year olds and their mothers/grandmothers
as well as twenty 4 year olds and their mothers/grandmothers. Forty pairs of
children/mothers and children/grandmothers, respectively, were videotaped as
they shared reading a picture book together. Data were analyzed with descriptive
statistics, mean, standard deviation, and two-way ANOVA test.
Results: Results indicated that mothers’ and grandmothers’ picture book
reading behaviors were significantly different in verbal behavior. Mothers
performed more explanation and questioning, while grandmothers performed
more limitation, directing, and correcting. As far as non-verbal behavior is
concerned, mothers used more physicalgestures, pointing, descriptive gestures,
and imitative gestures, whereas grandmothers requested certain actions.
Conclusion/Implications: These findings have implications for the importance
of the mothers’/grandmothers’ roles in shared picture book reading with the
child.