Lizard Learners | Read With Me

Fostering a love for reading in children is more important than ever. One way to cultivate this passion is by creating a dedicated reading corner in your home—a cosy sanctuary where your child can escape into the magical world of books. Let's explore how you can transform a simple space into a captivating haven for literary exploration and imagination. 1. Choose the Perfect Spot : Selecting the right location for your reading nook is crucial. It could be a corner of your child's bedroom, a sunny alcove in the living room, or even a cosy nook under the stairs. The key is to find a quiet, comfortable area that is free from distractions and conducive to relaxation. 2. Design with Your Child : Involve your child in the design process to create a space that reflects their personality and interests. Let them choose colours, fabrics, and decorations that make the reading nook feel special and inviting. Whether it's hanging fairy lights, adorning the walls with favourite book quot

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

  Reading is a fundamental skill , and as parents, we play a crucial role in helping our children embark on this journey. But where to start? The world of children's books is vast, and choosing the right ones can make a significant difference. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best books to kickstart your child's reading journey . "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle This classic book is a fantastic introduction to colours and animals. The repetitive nature of the text helps children predict what comes next, which is a crucial early reading skill. "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault This lively alphabet book is perfect for teaching letter recognition. The rhythmic text and vibrant illustrations make it a fun read-aloud for both parents and children. "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle This book is a feast for the eyes, with its beautiful collage illustrat

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 of the crafty chameleon blending into differe

Fellow parents! As we sail through the waters of parenthood, we encounter many challenges, especially when it comes to helping our children learn to read. Today, let's talk about some common reading challenges , such as dyslexia, ADHD , and more, and how to navigate them with grace and confidence. Dyslexia: The Great Reading Storm Dyslexia is a common reading disorder that affects the way the brain processes written and spoken language. Children with dyslexia may struggle with reading, spelling, and writing , despite having normal intelligence. As parents, it's important to recognise the signs of dyslexia and seek help if needed. There are many resources and interventions available, such as specialised reading programs and assistive technology , that can help children with dyslexia thrive. ADHD: The Wandering Wind ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder , can also present challenges when it comes to learning to read. Children with ADHD may have difficulty focusing

Choosing the right reading curriculum for your child can be overwhelming. With so many options available, it's easy to feel lost in a sea of choices. In this blog post, we'll explore some tips and strategies to help you navigate the world of reading curriculum and find what's best for your child. Know Your Child's Learning Style : Before diving into the world of reading curriculum, it's important to understand your child's learning style. Some children thrive with hands-on activities and visual aids , while others do best with a more traditional approach. Take some time to observe how your child learns best and keep this in mind as you explore different curriculum options. Research Different Approaches : There are many different approaches to teaching reading, from phonics-based programs to whole-language approaches . Take some time to research the different approaches and consider what aligns best with your child's learning style and needs. Consider Yo

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

Welcome to the magical world of literacy ! As parents, we play a crucial role in fostering a love of reading in our children. One of the best ways to do this is by creating a literacy-rich environment at home . In this blog post, we'll explore some tips and tricks to help you turn your home into a reading wonderland. Build a Home Library: One of the best ways to encourage reading is by having books readily available . Set up a dedicated space for books, whether it's a bookshelf in the living room or a cosy reading nook in your child's bedroom. Make sure to include a variety of books , from picture books to chapter books, and let your child choose what they want to read. Incorporate Reading into Daily Life : Find opportunities to incorporate reading into your daily routine . This could be reading a story before bedtime, having a family reading time, or reading signs and labels while out and about. The more your child sees reading as a natural part of life, the more likely

  Every year on April 23rd , book lovers around the world celebrate World Book Day. Established by UNESCO , this day is dedicated to promoting reading, publishing, and copyright. It's a day that acknowledges the power of books to inspire, educate, and entertain , and it's celebrated with a range of events and activities designed to foster a love of reading. World Book Day is important for several reasons : Promoting Literacy : Reading is a fundamental skill that opens doors to knowledge and opportunities. World Book Day aims to encourage reading among all ages, especially children and young adults, as literacy is crucial for personal and professional development. Celebrating Cultural Diversity : Books come from all corners of the globe and reflect diverse perspectives, cultures, and experiences. On World Book Day, people celebrate the rich tapestry of world literature and the importance of preserving cultural heritage through storytelling. Encouraging Imagination and Creativity