Lizard Learners | Read With Me

As an educator, one of the greatest joys is witnessing the excitement and wonder that reading can bring to young minds. In my quest to provide my students with a diverse array of fiction and non-fiction texts , I stumbled upon a hidden gem that has become an indispensable tool in my teaching arsenal: Open Library , (Internet Archive) . This incredible website has revolutionised the way I curate resources for my classroom, offering a vast selection of books that cater to a wide range of interests and learning objectives. At our school, while we can afford basic texts, it's the additional resources that truly enrich our curriculum and provide students with a well-rounded literary experience. Open Library , (Internet Archive) has become my go-to resource for sourcing these supplementary texts, offering an extensive collection that spans genres, topics, and reading levels. From classic novels to contemporary non-fiction, the website boasts a treasure trove of literary gems waiting to

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

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

  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

Every parent has probably encountered the challenge of getting their child to read at some point. Whether it's a lack of interest or a struggle with reading, engaging a reluctant reader can be a daunting task. However, with a little creativity and persistence, you can help your child go from reluctant reader to bookworm. In this blog post, we'll explore some strategies for engaging kids in reading and making it a fun and enjoyable activity. Find Books that Match Their Interests : One of the best ways to engage a reluctant reader is to find books that match their interests. Whether it's dinosaurs, princesses, or sports , there's a book out there for every child. Take your child to the library or bookshop and let them explore different genres and topics until they find something that captures their attention. Make it a Family Affair : Reading can be a great way to bond as a family. Set aside time each day for family reading time , where everyone can read together or s

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

As a primary teacher, World Book Day is one of the highlights of the school year—a day filled with imagination, creativity, and literary magic. This year, our celebration took us on an unforgettable journey inspired by the enchanting tale of "Leaf" by Sandra Dieckmann. From dressing up as polar bears to planting a tree named 'Leaf,' our World Book Day festivities were nothing short of extraordinary. Join me as I recount the whimsical adventures and heart-warming moments that made this year's celebration truly memorable. As the anticipation for World Book Day grew, I knew I wanted to bring the magical world of "Leaf" to life for our students. Donning a polar bear costume, I took centre stage and transported the entire school into the snowy landscapes of Sandra Dieckmann's beautifully illustrated book. With wide-eyed excitement, the children embarked on a journey filled with wonder and discovery. Inspired by the themes of nature and friendship in "

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

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