Children’s Book Week is here (16/08 -22/08) and all around the country there are tutus and super capes being dragged out of storage! School children and littlies alike are awkwardly manoeuvring their giant antennae and princess dresses (maybe in the one costume) around the playground for dress up day. Such fun.
This year’s theme is
Connect to reading ~ Reading to connect.
We know already that children adore the stories that take them “travelling” to other worlds and this year’s theme also highlights the opportunity to create bonds with others. Can you remember back to your childhood and a certain favourite book that your parents or siblings may have read to you? How about when you have been reading to your own children or grandchildren and the ever consistent “Wead it aagaaiin pwease!” Now, don’t even think about skipping a page or trying to condense the plot . You – will – not – win. Believe me I have tried
In early childhood education we already know the importance of stories and books. Most school teachers encourage a love for books and reading as well.
There are so many opportunities though for families to influence a child’s love for stories and language. Just in simple everyday experiences you can support their love for books and help expand their imaginations.
This is where the whole ‘reading to connect’ comes to light. There are so many ways for your child to connect and have fun with family and friends in the home while developing their understanding and excitement for books and storytelling.
- Read stories together. Not always only at bedtime. Read aloud while they are having a bath. Times like that can be so interactive. (and drenching !)
- Even school aged children would enjoy jumping on the couch and sharing a special reading session with someone. They get to practice their skills and it is comforting for them when reading is not always associated with homework.
- Babies are never too young to hear your voice and sense the rhythm of verse or simple words. For older babies and toddlers choose those books with clear illustrations and simple texts. They love rhyme and repetition. My favourites are often those with pictures of real objects and settings.
- You would be surprised how much of your own everyday “literary” experiences you can share with children. Dad reading his list of chores for the day, Grandma’s magazines and recipes and even identifying the letters that are highlighted in a newspaper heading.
- Role modelling a love for books and reading yourself has to be one of the most positive influences on your children. ( A lot of the books I read are personal development and self help books so my children are possibly still trying to “find themselves”!??!)
- Reflecting on the book you have read to them, by briefly going through the pages again, is a great way to encourage language development and to help them recall. Toddlers eyes light up when they identify objects again and again. For older children ask little questions and maybe have them imagine scenarios beyond the book. Eg “What might Teddy have taken to his Nan’s house if he went for a sleepover ?” or “What should the man have said to the gardener?”
- Set up a little Book Nook at home. It doesn’t have to be big but if it is inviting, your child will more likely sit and relax. For little ones you can have some cushions in a cosy corner with a shelf or basket for the books. A couple of their soft toys can add to the “audience”.
- Something that I am passionate about is to always encourage them to respect the books and handle them gently. Children can learn this from a young age and if you show them how to turn the pages carefully and remind them at the time, they will follow your lead.
- Join a library as a family. They are so welcoming these days and all ages can participate and there are areas for your children as well as comfy chairs for you. Often they have storytelling sessions during the day.
- Books make very memorable gifts for young children. You can write your message in it for special occasions and add it to a present for friends. Book vouchers for older children enable them to purchase something of their interest. For a close friend’s baby shower, guests were asked to bring “our favourite storybook” for her baby instead of other gifts. I thought that was a beautiful and memorable way to start a library.
I LOVE books and always have.
I know that it has stemmed from my own childhood and from my Mum, Dad and siblings taking time out to read to me. I was the youngest of four and I always had access to books. I can still remember the big tall book cupboard and its musty smell that was like an adventure to go through to select something to read. I still have my all-time favourite book from when I was around two years old. It was a Golden Book that is out of print now. (Yes I’m that old) I have realised that the values portrayed in its storyline still resonate with me today.
Give your children the timeless gift of books, imagination and wonder.
Bye for now
Kim