Lizard Learners | Read With Me

Teaching a child with autism can present unique challenges, but with patience, understanding, and tailored strategies, it can also be an immensely rewarding experience. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) encompasses a wide range of abilities and characteristics, making individualised approaches crucial for success. In this guide, we'll explore practical techniques to enhance handwriting, address difficulties with attention, manage emotional outbursts, foster friendships, and promote academic development in reading, comprehension, and mathematics. Improving Handwriting : Handwriting can be a significant area of difficulty for children with autism . To improve their handwriting skills, consider the following strategies: Use multisensory approaches : Incorporate activities that engage multiple senses, such as tracing letters in sand or shaving cream, using textured surfaces for writing, or practising with different writing tools like markers, pencils, and crayons. Break tasks into smalle...

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...

Language is a fundamental aspect of human communication and development. But have you ever wondered how children learn languages? In this blog post, we'll explore the fascinating science behind how children acquire language and the important role it plays in their cognitive and social development. The Stages of Language Acquisition : Language acquisition in children occurs in several stages, beginning with prelinguistic communication during the first year of life. During this time, infants use cries, babbling, and gestures to communicate their needs and emotions. As they grow, children begin to understand words and phrases, and their vocabulary expands rapidly . By the age of two, most children can form simple sentences and engage in basic conversations . Over time, their language skills continue to develop, and they become proficient communicators. The Role of Input : One of the key factors in language acquisition is input—the language exposure that children receive from their ...