Taking the time to read to our children is the most important thing we can do as parents. All it takes is 10-20 minutes per day to foster a love of reading!
At Amity Early Learning Centre, we begin sharing our love of reading with children from a very early age. That is why our preschool has a large library area to encourage all children to read. Reading is one of the hardest skills to master as a child. For this reason, Amity lets the kids choose their own books, an approach designed to awaken the enjoyment of reading.
PARENTS READING TO THEIR CHILDREN AT HOME SHOULD:
- Keep the story short and do a ‘picture walk’. Just looking through the pictures and labelling them is a great way to start.
- Use puppets and lift and flap books, some with texture. Count the objects in the pictures.
- Use animated voices and sing along.
- Work within the child’s development stage. Question whether you have their attention. Let them do actions and move around. Can they make the noises?
- Take books with you wherever you go, have them on a low shelf so children can easily pick them up
Did You Know?
The Mamzar Corniche area in Dubai has a book library where you can borrow books and read by the ocean.
Lisa Lewis is an early years educator and leader with over 20 years’ experience, and is now manager at Amity Early Learning Centre. She believes in inspiring young learners in an inquiry based environment, and fostering a love of learning through the Arts, Music & Science.