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The holidays are a great time to read books with your children. Find time in the hustle and bustle, for a quiet reading moment. Perhaps read a Christmas story, or just their favourite picture book. This will show your child that even though you’re busy with Christmas and holidays, it’s important to take time out to enjoy simple, quiet activities.
You might also find that your children cope better with their day when they have a quiet reading time. You will see the benefit of this, in their calmer behaviour. You will also feel closer to your child and they will feel loved with your special attention.
These are some of the tips I have learned over the years, reading to my children. Of course each child is different and some of these tips will work and some might not. You know your child best, so try different ways to see what works best for both of you.
- Find a comfortable, quiet spot – away from noise and distractions
- If your child is 2 years or older – let them choose the books, perhaps with some assistance from you.
- Choose age appropriate books – this is where alphabetical.com.au will be of great help.
- Keep a bookcase with some age appropriate books, some old favourites from when they were younger, and a couple of more advanced books – this gives you plenty of scope depending on how they are feeling – eg if they are tired, maybe read an old favourite, rather than trying something new.
- Make it fun! Enjoy reading the books, try different voices – let the actor in you come out! Your child will be delighted at your enthusiasm – which is contagious!
- If you feel nervous about reading, practice reading the books without your child – so that you can feel the flow of words and pictures. Don’t worry if you stumble while reading with your child, just make a joke and re-read the words again – I find “ oh silly mummy, I didn’t get that bit right, let’s do it again” seems to work well. This also teaches children that when reading, even if you don’t get it right the first time, you can always re-read it again until you do – this will help them when they start independent reading at school, as they will have confidence in trying again and not giving up.
- Talk to your child about what is happening in the pictures, especially if they are young – under 4 years, the text may not explain enough to them. Talk about what the pictures are saying. This visual literacy will help give your child a sense of meaning about the story – this is especially important for young children, whose language skills are still developing.
- Try reading at a medium pace, not too slow, but not too fast. Allow enough time for your child to look at the pictures and maybe ask a question, or just take it in. Illustrators, editors, art directors in publishing houses spend months, sometimes years, getting the pictures right – so give your child time to appreciate the wonderful art in each picture book.
- Try different types of books – novelty(pop-ups), lift the flap, poetry, silly verse, classic stories – Pinocchio, Jungle Boy, Robin Hood are some examples – children 3+ will love these timeless stories.
- Most of all relax and enjoy the experience of sharing a wonderful book with your child every day!
Also you can go to the website of Mem Fox, the popular children’s author, who has some excellent tips on reading aloud.
www.memfox.com
Enjoy a wonderful reading experience today!
Sue |
