October/November 2012 Timaru Tots - Parents Centres New ...

TIMARU TOTS PAGE 24
are fantastic, particularly
for long car rides. The
reader often uses different
character voices and
intonation, there are sound effects and the
expression in the reading which can really
engage the listener. Good examples of these
are Giraffes Can’t Dance written by Giles
Andreae and read by Hugh Laurie, Beware
of Story Book Wolves written by
Lauren Child and read by Hugh Laurie.
Language development includes the ability
to understand what is said and speaking
to others. This in turn leads to an
understanding of written language and being
able to read and write.
Early Writing occurs from between 12-18
months. Young children will “scribble”, first
striking in vertical lines and then move onto
circular motions. For this to happen young
children need access to chalk and crayons –
big thick chunky chalk and crayons as they
don’t have the fine motor skills to control
the thin size. From 12-15 months onwards
give your child the opportunity to explore
these.
The first word your child will write is their
own name, so it is important you have this
displayed for them in correct letter formation.
Eg Samuel not SAMUEL They will begin
to recognise their own name and when
ready anywhere from 3-5 years of age
will have a go at writing it.
“Teach your child to love reading, children
should go to school with an understanding of
how print works, as well as a love of books
and the knowledge and entertainment they
provide.” Mem Fox
I suggest that parents make times in the day
for books – not only at bedtime. Your children
are often most receptive first thing in
the morning, so if you can make the time
first thing to snuggle in bed and read a book
or two this is fabulous. Your child’s brain is
awake, very receptive and ready to
absorb.
Try and use lots of expression
when you are reading, if you are
excited about what you are reading
your child is likely to get excited
also. Give characters voices,
use sound effects and discuss the illustrations.
Also, pausing during reading has been
proven to be a great motivator of verbalising
ideas i.e. the parent pauses after each sentence
or idea, which gives a child time to
think and articulate what he/she is thinking
about.
Have books accessible in many areas of your
home, not only in your child’s bedroom. Ask
relatives and friends to gift books for Christmas
and birthdays. Take your child to the
library and borrow books for both of you.
“Children who come from homes surrounded
in books are more likely to succeed than
those who don’t” Mem Fox.
Aim for 3 books a day as
Mem Fox suggests in her
book titled Reading Magic –
How your child can learn to
read before school and other
read aloud miracles.
As your child gets older she suggests 1 favourite
book, 1 book that the child has heard
before and 1 new book.