<!-- LLM_VERSION_INFO
FORMAT: text/markdown
CONTENT_TYPE: article
ORIGINAL_URL: https://brookespublishing.com/setting/story-friends
ALTERNATE_VERSION: setting/story-friends/index.html (text/html)
EXTRACTION_DATE: 2026-07-26T15:30:47.009Z

This is the markdown version with text-only content (images converted to alt-text).
For rich formatting with images, request the HTML version at: setting/story-friends/index.html
-->

## 5 Reasons Why You Should Expose Preschoolers and Kindergarteners to Challenging Words

This handout explains how to introduce more challenging vocabulary to young learners, and the importance that these more challenging words can have in a child's development. [Read More](/content/resource-library/5-reasons-expose-preschoolers-kindergarteners-challenging-words/index.html)

## Four building blocks of great literacy centers in inclusive classrooms

How can you support literacy skills for all learners in an inclusive early childhood classroom? [Read More](/content/resource-library/four-building-blocks-great-literacy-centers-inclusive-classrooms/index.html)

## Story Friends frequently asked questions

What areas of oral language are addressed in the intervention? [Read More](/content/resource-library/story-friends-frequently-asked-questions/index.html)

## Why these words?

Can young children really learn the challenging words in Story Friends—and why should they? [Read More](/content/resource-library/why-these-words/index.html)

## 8 strategies for teaching budding readers

How can you support budding readers in early childhood settings?  Begin by teaching explicitly during storytime, expanding and enhancing instruction, and focusing on key skills.

## Strategies for encouraging reading readiness in young children

Do you have children in your program that struggle with oral language skills? [Read More](/content/resource-library/strategies-encouraging-reading-readiness-young-children/index.html)

## How to use Story Friends to improve vocabulary in your preschool classroom

It can be hard for preschool teachers to devote sufficient class time to teaching vocabulary. [Read More](/content/resource-library/use-story-friends-improve-vocabulary-preschool-classroom-2/index.html)

## Story Friends™ instruction in action

See Story Friends instruction in action! [Read More](/content/resource-library/story-friends-instruction-action/index.html)

## Story Friends™ sampler

Download the sampler to learn more about Story Friends, a literacy intervention focused on improving oral language skills for preschool and kindergarten children. [Read More](/content/resource-library/story-friends-sampler/index.html)

## Meet Story Friends™: an early literacy intervention for improving oral language

Do you have children in your program that struggle with oral language skills? [Read More](/content/resource-library/meet-story-friends-early-literacy-intervention-improving-oral-language/index.html)
