As parents, we are constantly looking for ways to enrich our children’s lives and their learning experiences. One such way that has proven to be significantly beneficial is reading with your child. And when it comes to the theme of the reading, have you ever considered what makes reading about something as simple and taken for granted as the 'weekend' so important? Let’s explore.

A 360-degree Approach to Learning
Reading about the weekend with your child provides a 360-degree approach to learning. From defining what the weekend actually is, to exploring what activities are commonly associated with it, these books can be a comprehensive guide to understanding a vitally important part of our weekly cycle. If you consider books like ‘Llama Llama Gram and Grandpa’ by Anna Dewdney, they are a delight to read and they introduce children to the concept of weekend visits to grandparents’ homes in a fun and relatable manner.

Tackling the Concept of Time
Reading about weekends also introduces children to the concept of time. Through books that dwell on weekend routines, they get a practical understanding of the days of the week, the difference between weekdays and weekends, and the temporal progression from one day to the next. A great example of such a book is ‘Cookie’s Week’ by Cindy Ward, which combines humor and a sense of adventure to teach children about the days of the week.

Lessons on Work-Life Balance
Unbeknown to many, reading about the weekend also implicates a lesson about work-life balance. As the weekend is often associated with relaxation and recreational activities, children learn that everyone - including their usually busy parents - need a regular break from work. Books like ‘The Weekend with Daddy’ by Beverly Cleary present the idea of weekends as the designated time for family, bonding and rest, after a week full of work and school.

Expanding their Vocabulary
When reading books about the weekend, children will learn and have the chance to familiarize themselves with new words that are not commonly used in their day-to-day lives. These words may be related to activities often reserved for the weekend, such as camping, hiking or baking, thereby enriching their vocabulary.

In conclusion, when we incorporate ‘weekend’ themed books into our reading time, we not only foster our children’s language proficiency, but also provide them with a holistic viewpoint of life’s regular routines. So, grab a 'weekend' themed book today and let the exploration begin!