Reading with children
a blog by Magic Tales
Books Can Lead the Way: A Guide for Parents to Ease the Starting School Journey
Starting school is a major milestone in a child's life, bringing with it, a whirlpool of emotions - excitement, anxiety, curiosity, and lots even more. Undoubtedly, this significant step is equally unnerving for parents and guardians. They often worry on questions such as, 'Is my child ready for school?', 'Will they cope?', 'How can I prepare them for this huge shift?'. If you find yourself treading on similar lines, we’ve got some useful nuggets of advice for you.
Books can handle this prima-donna of parental dilemmas by being the conduit between your child’s world of home comfort and the adventurous realm of the school. Choosing the right books and practicing consistent reading habits can go a long way in helping your little one transition smoothly into this new phase.
Reading to Your Child:
Start by reading them stories or books about characters going to school. This not only mitigates their anxiety but also helps them grasp basic school routines, expectations, and the fact that they're not going through this monumental change alone. Books like 'The Night Before Kindergarten' by Natasha Wing, 'Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten' by Joseph Slate are just a few examples.
Story Telling Techniques:
The way the story is narrified immensely matters. Use a soothing, reassuring voice and ensure to engage them actively - ask questions, discuss the characters, or the plot, and encourage them to talk about their feelings and fears about starting school. This forms a safe space for them to express themselves.
Crafting a Reading Alcove:
Another great initiative could be creating a dedicated reading corner for your child. This strengthens their association with reading time as a space of comfort and curiosity.
Pick Relevant Books:
It's advisable to select books that mirror your child's new routines - stories about packing a school bag, a typical playschool day, nap-time at school, etc. Books like 'Llama Llama Misses Mama' by Anna Dewdney, 'Maisy Goes to Preschool' by Lucy Cousins could assist.
Regular Reading Practice:
Remember, ad-hoc reading sessions rarely yield results. Cultivating a daily reading habit makes children habitual and develops their attention for classroom learning.
To round off, it’s important to note that parents and guardians play pivotal roles in facilitating this big leap for their children. As you embark on this journey together with your little learners, remember every little reinforcement from you counts. One storybook at a time, you’ll have set the stage for a confident, curious, and loving learner soaring through the vast sky of knowledge.
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