Reading Archives - The Parenting Cafe

Telling Stories

March 2, 2020/by Sonja Preston

As parents we know of the importance of reading to our children regularly, to encourage our children’s love of learning, and excitement about what books have to offer.

We also know that books can be a part of the night time routine, to help settle children down with quiet time before bed.

Reading to children is also useful when children have to sit whilst waiting at the Doctors, where they need to be quieter for a while.

Children often grow to love stories and books, via our enthusiasm and by the tone of our voice when we read to them.

Another thing which children grow to love is when you actually tell them stories. Read more

Story Telling for Parents

July 8, 2019/by Sonja Preston

What makes a good story?

Think of a book that you’ve read to your young child, which they’ve loved it – in which case you’ve probably read it hundreds of times!

What was it they loved?

Books on ‘repeat cycle’ at your house often have similar features. Things like:

Colourful pictures

An engaging story

A lead character

An element of drama

A chorus or refrain which children can remember and join in with, and

A desire to turn the page to see what happens next

Stories also come alive due to how the reader delivers the story:

Your use of different voices for the different characters

The tone of your voice – serious or light-hearted

The volume of your voice – a loud growly voice, or a gentle whisper.

The questions you ask to engage the child in the story

The enthusiasm in your face and

The encouragement you give for your child to join in.

Why does your child choose the same book over and over? Read more

The Importance of Dads

September 3, 2018/by Sonja Preston

For a long time now we’ve known the valuable role that mothers play in the development of children, through nurturing and play.

Research also acknowledges the powerful role which Dads play in the family dynamics generally, and in the long term well-being of their children.

The best gift a Dad can give his kids, is his time!

Being a Dad is probably the most important job you’ll ever do. The way you interact and behave with your children will have a huge impact on them – what they do, how they feel about themselves and how they turn out – both now, and down the track. As with anything that is important to you, being a great Dad requires time, energy and effort!
Read more

Image by National Assembly for Wales via Flickr

Activities to Enhance Literacy Skills

May 25, 2015/by Sonja Preston

Do you often find yourself wondering what you can do for fun with your child today?

There are many simple activities you can do, which will also help your child’s emerging Literacy skills.

Literacy includes development in the areas of Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening.

Here are some activities which you can start today:

Read the cereal box together – this may be looking at the picture, asking the child if they can guess which words say: ‘Rice Bubbles’ and asking them if they can see any letters which are in their own name.
Draw pictures (both of you) of your favourite foods – ask the child to describe hers, and whether she’d like you to write the words under her picture (showing her that spoken words can be put down on paper).
Go into the backyard or for a walk and collect leaves or rocks. Sort them into size groupings and using language to describe them eg small, big, biggest. Or sort them according to color eg grey, white, brown, dark brown. Or sort them according to weight etc. Count them – ‘How many do you have – do you know how to write the number 8?’

Tag Archive for: Reading

Activities to Enhance Literacy Skills

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