Research says that children who have been sung to and talked to as babies right through to the toddler years have a greater understanding of words, language and communication. They also tend to begin to read sooner than expected. Reading stories and singing to children offers a lovely bonding experience too!
Spending time engaging with your child through books, pictures and song is an investment not only in your relationship together but also in their language and communication development. To build this into your daily routine, make a habit of reading a favourite book every night before bed, or set up a story time after lunch. There’s nothing better to beat that afternoon slump than relaxing together on the sofa with a book or two. Or perhaps make a cosy den or reading corner. Sometimes, an enticing area like this is all that’s needed to foster a love and excitement about books and reading.
Picture books are engaging and fun. They offer lots of opportunity to ask questions about the characters and what they think is happening. Questions like this not only encourage interest in the book, they also help to develop thinking and comprehension skills. You can also encourage your child to read along with you so that they start to recognise simple words. You can encourage early reading by showing them two letters, for example ‘a’ and ‘c’, and the showing them a picture of a cat, or perhaps a cat toy. Which letter does ‘cat’ begin with? At this stage though, it is the enjoyment of books that is most important. An enjoyment of listening to stories now will lead to an appreciation of reading and writing later.
Singing nursery rhymes together is a great way to develop your child’s awareness of rhyme. This can help with the understanding of spelling patterns when they begin to write. Reading rhyming books such as those by Julia Donaldson is a great way to help your child listen out for rhythms and to recognise words that rhyme. Point out the words that rhyme and encourage your child to look for spelling patterns by seeing which letters are the same in each rhyming word.
You could also let them help you when you write a shopping list by asking them what letter ‘Apple’ begins with. Show them how to sound the letter out and let them watch you write it down. They might even want to have a go themselves! Watching you write in a journal will show your child that writing is a joyful activity that helps you express yourself. They can join in by drawing how they feel or something they enjoy doing.
Talking with your child and involving them in conversation will greatly impact their language and communication skills. They will learn the importance of turn taking, their listening skills will strengthen, and their vocabulary will grow. They will also grow in confidence! It is these early interactions that can have such a positive and lasting effect on their communication skills growing up. So never underestimate the power of a good singsong in the car or a bedtime story!
About Us:
Orchidale Children's Nursery is based in a fantastic converted bungalow building in Taverham, 15 minutes from Norwich with childcare places for 2 months-5 year olds. We can offer your child fabulous fun filled days of activities to help children learn and make lots of new friends. We have a fabulous outdoor space with so many area's of learning. Including a separate 0-2's garden, forest school space, large lawn for the children to run around on and so much more! Please come and see us, our beautiful learning area's and our magical garden. If you are searching for a Day Nursery in Norwich, Norfolk then we are the Children's Nursery that goes the extra mile for you and your children.
Visit the Orchidale Nursery website at: www.orchidale.co.uk
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