Lizard Learners | Read With Me

In the realm of early childhood education, few methodologies hold as much weight and promise as phonics. Phonics, the method of teaching reading and writing by correlating sounds with symbols , forms the bedrock upon which proficient literacy skills are built. At its core lies a simple yet profound principle: the recognition and manipulation of phonemes—the smallest units of sound in a language. Let's embark on a journey through the world of phonics, starting with six foundational phonemes: s, a, t, p, i, n . These seemingly humble sounds are the building blocks upon which countless words are constructed. Through understanding their significance and mastering their combinations, learners unlock the ability to decode and comprehend a vast array of written language. Sounding Out Success : Picture a young learner encountering the letters 's,' 'a,' 't,' 'p,' 'i,' and 'n' for the first time. With guidance, they learn to associate each symb

Caring for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be deeply rewarding, but it also comes with its share of challenges. One common difficulty caregivers encounter is when a child with autism refuses help . Whether it's assistance with daily tasks, academic support, or therapeutic interventions, refusal can frustrate caregivers and hinder the child's progress . However, with patience, understanding, and creative strategies, it's possible to navigate these situations effectively. In this blog post, we'll explore practical tips and approaches to support children with autism who resist help. Understanding the Reasons Behind Refusal: Before addressing the issue of refusal, it's crucial to understand the underlying reasons behind the child's resistance. Some common factors that may contribute to refusal include: Sensory sensitivities : Children with autism may find certain types of assistance uncomfortable or overwhelming due to sensory sensitivities. For e

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

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

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