Lizard Learners | Read With Me

Reading is a foundational skill that forms the cornerstone of academic success and lifelong learning. In the bustling environment of a school day, opportunities for reading practice abound, presenting numerous chances for children to hone their literacy skills and gain confidence in their abilities. Today, let's explore the various opportunities woven into the fabric of a school day where reading can be practiced and celebrated. 1. Morning Assembly: Setting the Stage for Reading Success The school day often begins with a morning assembly, where students gather to kickstart their day. This serves as an ideal opportunity to incorporate reading practice by having students read aloud announcements, share interesting facts, or even recite poems or short passages. Engaging in reading activities from the outset fosters a positive attitude towards reading and sets the tone for the day ahead. 2. Reading Aloud: Bringing Learning Objectives to Life As educators, one of our prim...

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, finding time for reading at home can sometimes feel like a challenge, especially after a long day at school when children are tired and tempted by screens. However, with the right approach and consistency, setting reading routines can become a rewarding and enjoyable part of family life. Let's explore how to establish and maintain reading habits at home, even when faced with distractions and tiredness. 1. Consistency is Key : Consistency is crucial when it comes to establishing reading routines. Choose a specific time every evening dedicated to reading , and stick to it. Whether it's 6 o'clock for younger children or 7 o'clock for older ones, having a set reading time helps create structure and predictability, making it easier for children to transition from their busy day to a calmer evening routine. 2. Create a Reading Environment : Set the stage for reading success by creating a cosy and inviting reading environment at home. ...

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 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...

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, ...

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...