Did you know encouraging your child to read comes with some astonishing benefits? It helps build their vocabulary, their self-esteem, feeds their imagination and improves their sleeping patterns. To name a few! Studies have shown children who own a mini home library, as little as around 20 books of their own, achieve 3 more years of schooling than those who don’t have any books at home! This week it’s National Read a Book Day and International Literacy Day, and to celebrate we’ve found 5 top tips for getting the most out of reading with your child.
Reading with your child – top tips for parents
Read on a regular basis
Reading little and often with your child has shown to be a good practice, as 10 to 15 minutes of reading time for young readers will be enjoyable, productive and not overwhelming.
Take turns reading!
For those who are finding reading challenging, or for very young readers, it might help to take turns reading sentences or paragraphs. This can help your child focus and give them chances to practise reading and talking.
Read your favourite books
There’s nothing wrong with re-reading! Your child might have one or more favourite books, and reading these again might help to build confidence and speed, and their enjoyment is guaranteed!
Find a comfortable place to read together
Curl up on the floor or on the sofa, somewhere comfy, quiet and free from distractions. Giving your child your full attention and creating a comfortable space to read, will show reading as a fun, relaxing experience.
Be positive and work problems out together
While your child is reading, let them read on and only go back over words that may have been said wrong after they are finished. Praise your child when they did well, and help your child work out unfamiliar words. If it’s clear your child is unable to solve a word, then tell them the word and point out how you would read it.
Coming Soon to That’s mine – Jellycat Book Giftsets
Coming soon to That’s mine, we have these beautiful pure cotton baby blanket with animal design and bashful soft toys. These personalised Jellycat bashful baby blankets and snuggly soft toys are a perfect newborn, christening or birthday gift. Available in a choice of colours and animals! Jellycat ‘If I were a …’ board book completes this personal and very unique gift set. All sets are suitable from birth.
And if you can’t wait to get your hands on these giftsets, click each link to find where you can buy now on Emma’s Diary!
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Reading with your child – Our book recommendations
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle (1969)
Age Range: 0-4 years
The Very Hungry Caterpillar describes the evolution of caterpillar eating his way through an array of food to eventually pupate into a beautiful butterfly.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl (1964)
Age Range: 8-10 years
Written by famous British author, Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is about a destitute but very selfless and caring boy named Charlie. Both his grandparents, parents and he live in a run-down house and have little for themselves. Charlie secretly loves the chocolate factory owned by chocolatier, Willy Wonka and hopes to be see it from inside one day; much to his surprise Charlie ends up becoming the heir to Wonka’s factory.
The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr (1968)
Age Range: 2-4 years
The classic picture book story of Sophie and her extraordinary teatime guest has been loved by millions of children since it was first published more than fifty years ago. The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don’t expect to see at the door is a big furry, stripy tiger!
Make sure you check out all these options and many more, and also our giftboxes and gift cards, making it extra special for those new bundles of joy.
Happy reading!
