For the love of BOOKS!

I have often been asked when you should introduce children to books? From the very beginning is my answer! Developing a love for reading is a lifelong gift that you can give your child...even in this age of computers and digital 'magic'. By sharing books as soon as your little one arrives you are preparing them for reading readiness and helping to lay the foundations of success in their learning journey.
Ensure firstly that you model reading...demonstrating that it is important and enjoyable and make sure your child sees you reading for both pleasure and to improve your own knowledge. Ensure you have a variety of books available for your children that are age appropriate and of good quality. Fabric books, waterproof books and board books are the starting point. Books need to be accessible...books in the car, the lounge, the bedroom, the bathroom and the toy box. The first thing I pack when going on holiday are books. There are mini books that can be slipped into a handbag or in the glove compartment of the car. Books can even occupy a toddler in the shopping trolley or buggy.
There are so many beautiful books and you will probably find your child develops favourites that they ask for all the time...that's fine because that's how children learn.
It helps to include books into your child's daily routine. As a former teacher I always encouraged parents to read to their child at bed time and to continue even when they are in the junior school when story time can become the sharing of great literature. When my Grandson was struggling with literacy at school his mum, my daughter, returned to reading to him every night. By the time they had shared all the Harry Potter books his teacher was praising him for his amazing vocabulary and they were both hooked on reading together, in fact it became one of those special mother / son times that they both valued! Reading together should become a special time together...please, please, please don't give your child the impression it is a bind. Can you tell I am passionate about reading with children!

Find a comfortable place for your child to sit and read and again make sure books are accessible...you might want to create a reading corner at home which is comfy and well lit. Include soft toys so your toddler can read to a 'friend' when they are playing independently. I always made sure I included books as gifts for birthdays and Christmas...demonstrating that books are special.
Over the next few weeks I am going to explore some of the ways we can extend the use some of the very best children's books, looking at creative ways.

Here's my first idea...A invitation to play featuring Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson.

It took 2 minutes to set up this invitation 3 drapes, 3 wooden mushrooms, the book, the witch from the story (£1.99 from the charity shop!) and under the purple sequin fabric is a basket hiding 3 soft toy fairies (also from the charity shop for £1.50). I wonder what my grand daughter will make of this when she arrives this morning?