Lizard Learners | Read With Me

As educators and parents, we understand the significance of good handwriting in a child's academic journey. Year 1 and 2 are pivotal years for developing foundational handwriting skills that lay the groundwork for future academic success. Today, let's delve into effective techniques for fostering neat penmanship during these critical years, emphasising correct pencil grip, the utilisation of a specialised handwriting book, and the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges. 1. Mastering the Basics: Correct Pencil Grip Before delving into letter formation, it's essential to ensure that children have mastered the correct pencil grip. Encouraging the tripod grip—where the pencil is held between the thumb and index finger while resting on the middle finger—provides stability and control, facilitating smoother and more precise handwriting movements. 2. Utilising a Handwriting Book: Visual Aid for Letter Placement In our efforts to promote neat handwriting, ...

As an early years teacher and a primary or elementary school teacher , I've had the privilege of witnessing the magic that happens when young children engage with books. Board books , with their sturdy pages and vibrant illustrations, hold a special place in the hearts of under-3s and their caregivers. These essential reads not only captivate young imaginations but also foster early literacy skills and a lifelong love of reading . In this blog, I'll share my perspective as a teacher on the joy of board books and recommend some must-have titles for under-3s. Why Board Books Matter : Board books are specially designed for little hands and curious minds, making them the perfect introduction to the world of reading for under-3s . With their durable pages and simple narratives, board books engage young children's senses and encourage interaction, exploration, and learning. From teaching basic concepts like colours, shapes, and numbers to sparking imagination and creativity, boa...

Bedtime can be one of the most magical times of the day for parents and their young children. It's a moment of connection, a time to unwind, and a chance to create lasting memories. One of the most cherished and valuable activities during this time is the bedtime story . But what makes bedtime stories so special, and how can parents make the most of this precious bonding time? Let's delve into the world of bedtime stories and discover how they can become a cherished family ritual for children under three years old. The Importance of Bedtime Stories Bedtime stories are more than just tales to send children to sleep. They are a fundamental tool for early childhood development. Here's why they matter: Language and Literacy Development : Reading to children from an early age introduces them to the rhythm and sounds of language. It helps in developing vocabulary, understanding sentence structure, and eventually learning to read. Bonding : Bedtime stories offer a unique tim...

The first three years of a child's life are a critical period for language developmen t and early literacy skills. As parents, caregivers, and educators, we play a vital role in nurturing a love of reading in young children during this formative time. In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of reading with under-3s , provide tips for incorporating reading into daily routines, and recommend age-appropriate books for this age group. Importance of Reading in Early Childhood : Reading with under-3s is not just about teaching them to read; it's about fostering a positive relationship with books and language . Early exposure to books and stories helps children develop language skills, vocabulary, and comprehension . It also sparks their imagination, curiosity, and love of learning, setting the foundation for a lifelong love of reading. Incorporating Reading into Daily Routines : There are many ways to incorporate reading into daily routines with under-3s. For example, ...

Learning to read can be an exciting journey for children, especially when it involves fun and engaging activities. By incorporating games into your child's reading routine, you can help them build essential literacy skills while having a blast. In this blog post, we'll explore five games that are not only enjoyable but also educational, designed to promote reading comprehension, vocabulary, and phonics. Word Bingo : Bingo is a classic game that can be easily adapted to help kids learn to read. Create bingo cards with sight words or vocabulary words your child is learning. As you call out the words, your child can mark them on their card. The first to get a bingo wins a small prize or gets to pick the next game. Sight Word / Tricky Word Memory : This game is a variation of the classic memory game. Create pairs of cards, with each pair containing a sight word your child is learning. Mix up the cards, then lay them out face down. Your child will take turns flipping over two car...

  Reading is a fundamental skill , and as parents, we play a crucial role in helping our children embark on this journey. But where to start? The world of children's books is vast, and choosing the right ones can make a significant difference. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best books to kickstart your child's reading journey . "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle This classic book is a fantastic introduction to colours and animals. The repetitive nature of the text helps children predict what comes next, which is a crucial early reading skill. "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault This lively alphabet book is perfect for teaching letter recognition. The rhythmic text and vibrant illustrations make it a fun read-aloud for both parents and children. "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle This book is a feast for the eyes, with its beautiful collage illustrat...

The digital age has transformed the way we read and learn, providing a plethora of tools and resources to make literacy engaging and accessible . With the surge of educational apps and websites, children can explore the world of reading in interactive and stimulating ways. Here are the Top 10 picks for apps and websites that promote literacy and make reading a fun, rewarding experience: 1. Epic! Epic! is a digital library for kids , offering access to thousands of high-quality books, audiobooks, and educational videos. With a subscription, children can explore diverse genres and topics, from fiction to nonfiction, and even read along with narrated books. 2. Reading Eggs Reading Eggs is an award-winning online reading program designed for children ages 2–13. It offers interactive games, activities, and guided lessons that help children develop reading skills at their own pace. The program also includes a library of e-books to reinforce learning. 3. ABCmouse ABCmouse is a comprehensiv...

Crafty Chameleon by Mwenye Hadithi and Adrienne Kennaway is a delightful picture book that lends itself to a variety of literacy activities for Key Stage 1 students in both the classroom or when providing home school activities. These activities are aimed at children who are aged 6-7 years old. However, they can easily be adapted to older or younger children, or when teaching mixed aged groups. Here are five literacy lesson plans inspired by the book:                Lesson 1 - Character Description : Begin by reading the story aloud to your child or play the video link to watch with your child , focusing on the character of the crafty chameleon. Discuss the character traits of the chameleon, such as his cleverness and adaptability. Have your child create their own character description of the chameleon, using adjectives to describe his appearance, personality, and actions. Encourage your child to illustrate their descriptions with drawings o...

When it comes to teaching children to read, phonics is often the go-to method. While phonics is a valuable tool, there are other approaches to reading instruction that can be equally effective. In this blog post, we'll explore some of these alternative methods and how they can be integrated into a comprehensive reading curriculum . Whole Language : Whole language is an approach to reading instruction that focuses on teaching children to recognise words as whole units , rather than breaking them down into individual sounds. This method emphasises the importance of context and meaning in reading comprehension . Whole language can be incorporated into a reading curriculum through activities such as shared reading , where children read along with an adult, and guided reading, where children read independently with support. Balanced Literacy : Balanced literacy is a comprehensive approach to reading instruction that combines elements of phonics, whole language, and other methods . T...