This term, Miss Sarah in the library is promoting student home borrowing. Our theme in the library is Reading is Epic! Read for fun, Read for adventure, Read for Information. So, for the rest of this term, all children who do borrow a book for home will go into the drawer for some great book prizes. Winners will be announced at our weekly school assemblies.
Here at Bundy Special, we encourage all of our students to borrow a book to enjoy at home. To borrow students must bring a library bag and then may borrow 2 books for a period of 2 weeks. Even if you are concerned your child may be too rough, don’t worry as we have a special collection of books for those children to choose from. If it does get damaged don’t panic as there is no fine charged.
Most parents know that kids love their screen time, but recent studies show that it does not have the same benefits to a child’s brain development as reading. Reading aloud is an excellent way to help your child deal with stress and anxiety, and can also help ease aggression and hyperactivity. It encourages their curiosity and develop their social and emotional development. Best of all its is a wonderful way to bond with your child.
Sometimes though, it’s not the most straightforward task, so here are some tips on how to make reading with your child more enjoyable.
Have a reading nook. Creating a cosy reading nook makes it more inviting for your child to sit and read. A reading nook doesn’t require a lot of space, a corner of a bedroom with a soft cushion and small bookshelf is ideal.
Choose books that spark interest. A good starting point is to choose books that you think your child will enjoy and engage with. If your child is interested in the subject and storyline of a book, their imagination will run wild.
Reread favourite books. Your child will learn as much by listening to the same book a hundred times.
Keep it short and simple. Start with a short session of just 2 – 5 mins a day and build up slowly. Choose books with few words and lots of pictures. If a book is of interest but has too many words then simplify it down to a single sentence.
Keep cool. Reading to a wriggling, distracted child can be frustrating. If you remain calm then its easier for your child to calm as well. Take a break if your child needs it and try again later.
Get the whole family involved. Don’t have time, then get different family members to read to your child. Having a brother or sister read with a child not only helps develop their bond but also improves the other child’s skills
Keep it fun. Using props and an animated voice can help children focus and bring life into the story you are telling. You can give children objects to hold and allow them to act out the story as you are reading. Even if your child has difficulty comprehending, or manipulating books, they can still enjoy them with your help.