Is it ever too early for a child to read? When is the right time to start? At Golden Seeds, we believe in the importance of encouraging reading at every age.
Research informed us that children’s language development happens before their first word. Therefore, every opportunity to model communication matters, as children learn language when they observe how others express themselves. We read to babies and provide them with engaging books for the same reason.
Reading is powerful in providing rich oral language experiences. When reading with children, we encourage children’s language learning using various ways:
- Playing with language through rhymes and rhythms
- Shared and extended talk about the story
- Model tone of speech
- Support children to make meaning from what they’re reading
- Questioning
The Tell Me questioning framework is an effective tool you can use with your child when reading with them. By asking questions, children’s brains are stimulated into a deeper level of thinking.
Some examples include:
Tell me…
- Was there anything you liked/disliked?
- Was there something you thought was strange?
- What kind of book did you think it was going to be before you read it?
- What will you tell your friends about this book?
Reading can also boost brain growth and cognitive development. When children are reading, their brains respond to emotions and situations present in the story. They can develop empathy and their ability in understanding their own and other people’s emotions and perspectives.
Wondering where to start in looking for quality picture books for your child? We recommend families to look at Children’s Book Council for Australia’ Books of the Year (hyperlink: https://cbca.org.au/winners-2024/) under the early childhood section. As well as Australian Library Association’s recommended list (hyperlink: https://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/notalists) for a diverse selections of book.
How does Golden Seeds support children’s language and literacy development?
Our team of experienced educators is committed to embedding reading into our day-to-day practice. By reading aloud with children, we invite them to interact with the stories through questions, different rhymes and expressions and model enjoyment of reading. From this, children learn diverse ways to communicate effectively verbally and non-verbally and gradually develop their joy for reading.
We foster spontaneous reading for all children by setting up book corners and community libraries across our centres. We chose quality picture books that spark learning and fun and provide them to every child.
Families are welcome to reach out to us to talk about the books your child is interested in and more ways to engage children in shared reading. Golden Seeds is here to support you and your child every step of the way.
