Lizard Learners | Read With Me

  As March rolls around, vibrant hues of green start adorning cities worldwide, marking the arrival of St. Patrick's Day . This jubilant celebration, rooted in Irish heritage, transcends borders, captivating hearts and minds far beyond the emerald shores of Ireland. But why do we celebrate St. Patrick's Day , and what significance does it hold in our increasingly interconnected world? St. Patrick's Day, celebrated annually on March 17th, commemorates the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick, who is credited with bringing Christianity to the island . What began as a religious feast day has evolved into a global celebration of Irish culture, marked by parades, music, dancing, and, of course, the iconic shamrock. But beyond the revelry lies a deeper significance. St. Patrick's Day serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural diversity and the richness it brings to our lives. Just as Ireland celebrates St. Patrick, other nations within the United Kingdom cherish thei

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

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