Lizard Learners | Read With Me

The early years of a child's life are crucial for language development , and reading plays a vital role in building vocabulary during this critical stage. Even before children can speak, they are absorbing language and learning new words through exposure to books and conversation . In this blog, we'll explore the importance of building vocabulary in under-3s and how reading can be an effective tool for fostering language development in young children. Why Building Vocabulary Matters : Vocabulary development is foundational to language acquisition and literacy skills. A rich and diverse vocabulary not only enables children to express themselves more effectively but also enhances their ability to comprehend spoken and written language. Research has shown that children with larger vocabularies tend to perform better academically and have stronger reading comprehension skills later in life. Therefore, it's essential to start building vocabulary from an early age to set childr

Learning to read can be an exciting journey for children, especially when it involves fun and engaging activities. By incorporating games into your child's reading routine, you can help them build essential literacy skills while having a blast. In this blog post, we'll explore five games that are not only enjoyable but also educational, designed to promote reading comprehension, vocabulary, and phonics. Word Bingo : Bingo is a classic game that can be easily adapted to help kids learn to read. Create bingo cards with sight words or vocabulary words your child is learning. As you call out the words, your child can mark them on their card. The first to get a bingo wins a small prize or gets to pick the next game. Sight Word / Tricky Word Memory : This game is a variation of the classic memory game. Create pairs of cards, with each pair containing a sight word your child is learning. Mix up the cards, then lay them out face down. Your child will take turns flipping over two car

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

As parents, educators, and caregivers, we all want to instill a love of reading in children. But how can we encourage them to become active readers who truly engage with the text? In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of asking questions and making connections while reading , and how these certain reading activities can enhance a child's learning experience. Asking Questions: When children ask questions while reading , they become actively involved in the text and are more likely to understand and remember what they've read . Encourage your child to ask questions about the characters, plot, and events in the story. Questions such as "Why did the character do that?" or "What do you think will happen next?" can help your child develop critical thinking and comprehension skills . Making Connections : Encourage your child to make connections between the text and their own experiences, other books they've read, or the world around them. This

Reading together as a family is not only a fun and enjoyable activity, but it also has numerous benefits for children's literacy development. In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of family reading time , how to start a family reading routine, and tips for maintaining it over time. The Importance of Family Reading Time : Reading together as a family helps foster a love of reading in children and strengthens the parent-child bond. It also provides an opportunity for children to learn new vocabulary, develop comprehension skills, and spark their imagination. Family reading time can be a special and memorable experience that children look forward to each day. How to Start a Family Reading Routine : To start a family reading routine, choose a time of day that works for everyone, such as before bedtime or after dinner. Create a comfortable reading space with plenty of pillows, blankets, and books. Let each family member choose a book to read aloud, or take turns reading

As parents and educators, we often hear about the importance of teaching children phonics and decoding skills . But what about sight words or tricky words or even common exception words? These high-frequency words play a crucial role in early reading development and are an essential part of a child's literacy journey. In this blog post, we'll explore the role of sight words in early reading and share tips on how to teach them effectively. What are Sight Words? Sight words, common exception words or tricky words are words that appear frequently in written text and do not follow regular phonetic patterns . These words are often difficult to sound out and must be recognised by sight. Examples of sight words include "the," "and," "you," "me," "was," and "are." The Role of Sight Words in Early Reading: Sight words are important for several reasons: Reading Fluency : Recognising sight words quickly and automatically help

Picture this, cosy blankets, comfortable chairs, and the soothing sound of your voice as you read aloud to your child . Reading together is more than just a bonding experience—it's a magical journey that opens up new worlds and fosters a love of reading . Today we'll explore the joy of reading aloud and share tips on how to make it a regular and enjoyable part of your family routine. The Power of Reading Aloud : Reading aloud is a wonderful way to share stories, build vocabulary , and strengthen family bonds. Here are some of the benefits of reading aloud: Language Development : Reading aloud exposes children to new words and helps them understand how language works. Comprehension Skills : Listening to stories helps children develop comprehension skills, such as predicting, summarising, and making connections. Bonding Time : Reading together creates precious memories and strengthens the bond between parents and children. Love of Reading : Reading aloud instills a love of readi

Reading aloud is a timeless tradition that holds immense power in shaping a child's development. From infancy to adolescence, the practice of reading aloud offers numerous benefits that extend beyond language acquisition. In this blog post, we'll explore the many advantages of reading aloud for children of all ages and why it remains a valuable activity in today's digital age. Building Language Skills : Reading aloud plays a crucial role in language development , especially in the early years. For infants and toddlers, hearing words and sentences spoken aloud helps them learn new vocabulary and understand the patterns of language . As children grow older, reading aloud exposes them to more complex language structures and expands their vocabulary, enhancing their overall language skills. Fostering a Love of Reading : One of the greatest gifts parents and educators can give children is a love of reading . Reading aloud introduces children to the magic of storytelling , igni

Reading and writing are like two sides of the same coin—they go hand in hand and are essential components of literacy development . As children learn to read , they also develop their writing skills, and vice versa. In this blog post, we'll explore the connection between reading and writing and share some tips for building literacy skills through both activities. Reading and Writing : Two Sides of the Same Coin Reading and writing are interconnected skills that support and reinforce each other. As children learn to read , they are exposed to different writing styles, vocabulary, and sentence structures, which in turn helps them become better writers. Similarly, as children develop their writing skills, they gain a deeper understanding of language and how it is used, which in turn helps them become better readers. Tips for Building Literacy Skills through Reading : Reading is a fundamental skill that lays the foundation for all other learning. Here are some tips for building liter