Reading plays an important part in our lives. Developing a love for reading should be given the importance that it deserves.
In my experience with junior and senior secondary school learners, I realised that there was and still is a need for this love of reading to happen. Often the learners would say to me that there is no need to read the book if you can just watch the movie.
True , but is the experience the same?
Reading requires you to think, feel and imagine, therefore the experience of reading is more than just recognising and pronouncing words correctly.
Parents have the perfect opportunity to help their little ones develop this love of reading by developing pre reading skills at home. As parents , you are your childs first teachers and this presents a wonderful opportunity to start instilling that love of reading that can last a lifetime.
Bathtime , feeding time, dress up time etc are all wonderful moments to encourage language and listening skills. Talk to your child about the activities that are happening and you will be amazed at their interest and responses.
Learning a language starts with listening. Reading is also an aspect of language and reading also starts with listening. So make maximum use of these moments with your little one and have fun .
If a child is exposed to books and reading at an early age, he or she will want to learn to read. It is never too early to introduce your child to books and reading. It is also a wonderful and special time of togetherness and bonding. It also plays a part in helping to develop the childs imagination through talking about the story.
Looking at the pictures also helps your child to gain important pre reading skills. By exposing your little one to these age appropriate story books, your little one has an opportunity to learn about shape, size, colours, position and direction to name a few aspects. They will also learn to concentrate and focus their attention on small details.
It is advised to set aside time each day for reading with your little one. To begin with , choose books with big bold simple pictures. Small children “read” pictures, so spend time looking at the pictures with your child and discuss the pictures. Ask questions about details in the pictures to create an awareness of what your child is seeing and understanding. Remember that looking at and talking about pictures is “reading “ to a little child.
Books make wonderful gifts for birthdays and other special occasions!
I Love these words from Groucho Marx –“ I must say I find television very educational. The minute somebody turns it on, I go into the library and read a good book.”
Prisheen signing off saying ….happy storytime with your little one till next time.
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