Lizard Learners | Read With Me

As educators, we're constantly seeking innovative ways to engage our students and foster a love of learning. One such approach that has truly transformed our school experience is taking reading outside . With the recent introduction of our outdoor classroom , inspired by the principles of Forest School , we've discovered a wealth of benefits for both our pupils and staff. In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, the importance of outdoor learning became increasingly evident. Not only does it provide a safer environment for social distancing, but it also offers countless opportunities for hands-on exploration and connection with nature . As we immerse ourselves in the outdoor setting, we've found that it not only benefits our physical health but also enhances our mental well-being. One of the most exciting aspects of taking reading outside is the ability to bring stories to life in a whole new way. Recently, while reading "The Baker's Boy" by Tony Br

Approaching home schooling for a 5-year-old requires a blend of structure, flexibility, and creativity to create a stimulating learning environment tailored to the child's developmental needs and interests. Here's a comprehensive approach: Establish a Routine : Create a daily schedule that includes structured learning time, playtime, snack breaks, and rest periods. Consistency is key, as it helps young children feel secure and understand what to expect each day. Set Learning Goals : Identify age-appropriate learning goals based on your child's developmental stage and curriculum standards. Focus on foundational skills such as pre-reading, pre-writing, numeracy, social skills, and basic scientific concepts. Keep goals achievable and adjust them as needed based on your child's progress. Utilise a Variety of Resources : Incorporate a mix of educational materials, including books, workbooks, manipulatives, educational apps, online resources, and hands-on activities. Tailor

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

Reading is often hailed as one of the most fundamental skills a child can acquire. It opens doors to knowledge, imagination, and understanding. But what many of us fail to realise is the Herculean effort it takes for young minds to decode the written word. As educators, parents, or mentors, we're familiar with the process of teaching children to read. We introduce them to phonics , guide them through letter-sound associations, and watch with pride as they slowly string together words. However, amidst this journey, it's easy to overlook the immense cognitive effort it demands from our young learners. Imagine this: a child encounters a simple sentence. To us, it may seem straightforward, almost effortless. But for the child, it's a mental marathon. Their brain must swiftly decipher each letter, associate it with its corresponding sound, blend those sounds together, and finally recognise the word. And this process repeats for every word in the sentence. It's akin to solvi

Reading with children under the age of three might seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. In fact, it can be an incredibly enjoyable and rewarding experience for both the child and the caregiver. One of the most effective ways to engage young children in reading is through interactive and playful books. These books not only capture their attention but also stimulate their senses and imagination. In this blog, we'll explore the importance of interactive reading and share some tips on how to make the most of it with your little one. The Importance of Interactive Reading : Interactive reading goes beyond simply reading the words on the page. It involves engaging the child in the story through various activities such as touching, pointing, and making sounds . This type of reading helps develop crucial early literacy skills, including vocabulary, language comprehension, and phonemic awareness . Furthermore, interactive reading fosters a love for books and reading fro

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,