Books, Books, Books,

I have always had a love of books! Right from when I first became pregnant I would always stop in book shops and browse the children's section looking for stories I would be able to read to my new baby.

By the time Miss EJ was born I had quite a collection. Each day no matter how busy, we have always found time to sit and read together. It has become one of our favourite times of the day, some days we would only make a few pages, but now it can be 2 or 3 books. It amazes me in such a short period of time how she will now sit and study the pictures and loves pointing at everything and waits in anticipation for you to tell her what it is. Our favourite book at the moment is Old McDonald had a Farm, illustrated by Mandy Foot. The Illustrations are nice and bright and she loves making the animal noises.

I came across an interesting article about reading with children recently. The below 'Tips for storytellers' is an extract from http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/stories_-_cyh.html where you can find the full article.

Reading with Children

Whether they are stories you tell, or stories in books, stories are one of the ways that children learn to enjoy reading. Children can also learn that books are a way to find out lots of useful and important things. Many people look back with pleasure on their favourite stories from childhood.

Tips for storytellers

• Whether you read or tell stories to your children you will be helping them in many ways. It is best if you can do some of both. Some of us don't like telling stories very much, others don't like reading. Do what works best for you and your child.


• You can get picture books that don't have words, so you can make up the story about the pictures for your child.


• Follow your child's lead when you are reading or telling stories so she can be a partner in the reading time - read the bits that she especially likes over and over again, stop when she wants to stop, skip the bits that she wants to skip.


• Be guided by your child as to what she likes but try out a range of books/stories so she can explore. Lists of suitable books for your child's age can often be found at your local council library. School and preschool libraries usually have large selections of books. If you have never been to a library before it could feel strange at first. Try to go on a weekday when the library is not busy and ask the librarian to help you find your way through the children's section. Librarians are pleased to show you what the library has to offer and are trained to know which books children are likely to enjoy.


• Borrow a number of books each time you go. If your child especially likes one and wants it over and over again, this is the one to buy and own.


• Browse through bookshops or garage sales. Often really good books can be bought in paperback and are not very expensive.


• It is enjoying the reading that counts. Starting with cheap books from the supermarket is a good way to help children to have some books to 'own'.


• Take your children to a pantomine or children's theatre where they will see stories acted out - or go just for the fun.


• Give your child books for birthdays, Christmas, name days or just because you want to give your child a special treat. They are great presents.
  

Do you and your little one have a favourite book you enjoy reading together?, I would love to hear about it.