FAQs
-
Everyone has their own favourites, but wherever I look the following are always talked about.
1) Cinderella
2) Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
3) Rapunzel
4) The Little Mermaid
5) The Snow Queen
6) Rumpelstiltskin
7) Jack and the Beanstalk
8) The Ugly Duckling
9) Sleeping Beauty
10) Puss in BootsPersonally, I’ve read Rapunzel to my own children so many times they could start reading it back to me.
-
Here are three tips to maximize the benefits of reading time with young children:
1. Make It Interactive
Ask Questions: Pause to ask questions about the story (e.g., "What do you think will happen next?" or "Why do you think the character feels that way?").
Point to Pictures: Encourage them to describe what they see in the illustrations.
Act It Out: Use different voices, gestures, and facial expressions to make the story come alive.
2. Create a Routine and Cozy Environment
Set a Regular Time: Consistency, such as reading before bed or after lunch, helps kids look forward to it.
Minimize Distractions: Find a quiet spot free from screens or interruptions.
Make It Comfortable: Snuggle up with blankets or pillows to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
3. Choose Age-Appropriate and Engaging Books
Follow Their Interests: Pick books with themes they love (e.g., animals, trucks, or fairy tales).
Look for Repetition and Rhymes: These elements help with language development and keep young children engaged.
Let Them Choose: Giving kids a say in what you read together fosters excitement and ownership.
-
Fostering a lifelong love of reading in children involves creating positive, engaging, and meaningful reading experiences. Here are some tips to inspire an endless love of books:
1. Lead by Example
Let them see you reading for pleasure. Children often mimic what they observe.
Talk about books you enjoy and why they matter to you.
2. Make Books Accessible
Create a reading-friendly environment with bookshelves at their level.
Regularly visit libraries or bookstores to explore new books together.
Have a variety of books available, including stories, nonfiction, comics, and magazines.
3. Emphasize Choice
Let kids choose what they want to read, even if it’s not what you’d pick.
Respect their interests, whether it’s graphic novels, audiobooks, or adventure series.
4. Incorporate Reading Into Everyday Life
Read signs, menus, recipes, or instructions together.
Encourage storytelling and creativity by making up stories or writing your own.
5. Make Reading Fun, Not a Chore
Avoid pressuring them to read or setting strict requirements.
Celebrate their milestones, like finishing a book or learning new words.
6. Read Aloud at Any Age
Read aloud even when they can read independently; it’s a bonding activity.
Share more challenging books that spark discussion and curiosity.
7. Connect Books to Real Life
Choose books related to their experiences, like starting school, new siblings, or favorite activities.
Plan activities tied to books, such as cooking a recipe from a story or visiting a place featured in a book.
8. Encourage Discussions About Books
Ask open-ended questions like, “What did you like about the story?” or “How would you change the ending?”
Join a kids’ book club or start one with their friends to make reading social.
9. Limit Screen Time (But Use It Wisely)
Balance screen time with reading time, but also consider using digital platforms for eBooks or audiobooks.
10. Celebrate Reading Achievements
Create a reward system (e.g., stickers, bookmarks, or special treats) for completing books or reading challenges.
Make it an event by attending storytimes, book fairs, or author readings.
-
I will rarely say “no!”, but it’s always best to ask first ;)
-
Sure, message me through the Contact page.