How to start reading with your child?

Reading to your child is a wonderful way to bond, foster a love for books, and develop their language skills. Here are some tips to make the most of your reading time together:

1. Start early: Begin reading to your child as early as possible, even during infancy. This helps them get familiar with the rhythm and sounds of language.
2. Create a routine: Establish a consistent reading routine, such as before bedtime or after dinner. This helps create a sense of comfort and anticipation around reading.
3. Choose age-appropriate books: Select books that are suitable for your child’s age and interests. For young children, choose books with bright illustrations, simple text, and engaging stories.
4. Read with expression: Use different voices for characters, vary your tone and pace, and add sound effects to make the story more engaging and entertaining.
5. Ask questions and encourage interaction: Pause occasionally to ask your child questions about the story, characters, or illustrations. Encourage them to predict what might happen next or share their thoughts and feelings about the story.
6. Point out words and pictures: As you read, point to the words and illustrations. This helps your child associate the spoken words with the written text and supports their visual literacy.
7. Make it fun: Encourage your child to participate by turning pages, repeating phrases, or acting out parts of the story. Keep the atmosphere light and enjoyable.
8. Be patient and flexible: If your child loses interest or becomes restless, take a break or switch to a different book. It’s important to keep the experience positive and stress-free.
9. Model good reading habits: Let your child see you enjoying books and reading for pleasure. This sets a positive example and demonstrates that reading is a valuable and enjoyable activity.
10. Visit the library: Regularly visit your local library to explore new books and attend storytime sessions. This exposes your child to a variety of literature and helps them develop a lifelong love for reading.

Some ideas for picture books

1. The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
   • A clever mouse uses his wit to outsmart a series of forest animals, including the fearsome Gruffalo, in this delightful rhyming tale about quick thinking and bravery.
2. The Day The Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers
   • When Duncan opens his box of crayons, he finds letters from each color expressing their grievances. This humorous story explores emotions, creativity, and compromise.
3. Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers
   • A young boy discovers a lost penguin on his doorstep and embarks on a journey to help the penguin find its way home, leading to an unexpected friendship.
4. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
   • Follow the journey of a caterpillar as it eats its way through various foods before transforming into a beautiful butterfly. This classic tale teaches counting, days of the week, and the life cycle of a butterfly.
5. We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury
   • Join a family on an adventurous bear hunt through different landscapes, overcoming obstacles with courage and determination. This repetitive, rhythmic story encourages participation and imagination.
6. Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
   • A kind-hearted witch and her cat make room for new friends on their broomstick, but when danger arises, they must work together to outwit a fearsome dragon.
7. The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr
   • When a tiger unexpectedly arrives at Sophie’s house for tea, it proceeds to eat and drink everything in sight. This charming story is a celebration of imagination and the joy of sharing.
8. Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney and Anita Jeram
   • Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare express their love for each other through a series of tender comparisons, showcasing the immeasurable bond between parent and child.
9. Oi Frog! by Kes Gray and Jim Field
   • In this hilarious rhyming tale, a bossy cat insists that animals must sit on objects that rhyme with their names, causing chaos and laughter among the animal kingdom.
10. Stick Man by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
    • Stick Man’s peaceful life is disrupted when he’s mistaken for an ordinary stick and taken on a series of adventures. As he tries to return home, he discovers the true meaning of family and belonging.