January 17, 2018 / Ben / 0 Comments
Many schools go on about how important it is to hear your child read on a regular basis. As parents you may feel that it is unnecessary for your child to read to you every night but research has shown that children that do this have an academic advantage later on in their education. Reading can not only help with reading but can also help with spelling and confidence as well as understanding emotions and problem solving.
When reading a book with your child, take time out to ask them what they think is going to happy or to explain how a particular character is feeling. This will not only help them with their understanding but will break up the book and allow them chance to understand what is happening rather than just reading the words.
You do not have to go out and spend a fortune on children books, many charity shops have books for as little as five or ten pence or you could enrol in your local library to allow your children to pick their own book to read. You could even get your child to read sentences around the home, such as on the side of food containers or on the back of a DVD case.
October 30, 2017 / Ben / 0 Comments
If your child is at primary school, then you may notice that they are often given a variety of books to read at home. Some books may be fiction, some nonfiction stories and others may be fact or reference books. It is important for your child to have the opportunity to read a wide variety of books to allow them to explore without just being restricted to one type. As a parent, it is easy to get in to the pattern of reading one type of book to your children as it may be the style that you like, but by doing this, you are limiting your child’s reading materials and they may miss out on a genre of type of book that they would enjoy more.
Regardless what they read, it is very important to get your child to read at least a few times a week, if not daily as this will help them in all areas of education and their overall academic ability. If you are struggling to find books at home that are suitable for your child, then why not in role them in the local library so they can swap books more often.
August 30, 2017 / Ben / 0 Comments
Reading has always been a popular pastime but with people now being able to download books to read on their phone or tablet more and more people are getting hooked on books. Some people say that they do not enjoy reading and find it boring but often the reason is that they have just not found the right genre of book. Unlike a film, you have to use your imagination a bit with a book and often this can be quite difficult to start with. If you are someone who likes a good thriller or horror film then the chances are you will like a similar genre of book.
Some books are more easy reading and again, for some, this is just what they need when they are drifting off to sleep. Also it may be that you only like books from certain authors, so once you have found a book you enjoy, try reading a few other titles by the same author.
If you had given up on books then why not give it a go again, but try something totally different to anything you have read before. You may prefer to use a tablet or Kobo or you may find that you actually like to be able to physically turn the page.
March 31, 2017 / Ben / 0 Comments
Audio books have been around for some time now, but recently more and more famous titles have been released. Stories such as The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom have been bought to life in audio and can make beds a pleasant time for your child. Although audio books should not replace bedtime story reading, it can be a perfect way to sooth your little one off to sleep.
When choosing an audio book for your child you may want to listen to it yourself first, some stories which they may enjoy when you read them to them may become a little scary or get them too excited when in audio version.
Audio books range in price, you can get a CD of famous fairy tales for about five pounds but if you want to pick up some of the more modern stories in audio form you may have to pay between ten and twenty pounds. Always have a look at the running time as you don’t want to be up there every ten minutes changing the CD over. You can get audio books from places such as W H Smiths or online.
October 31, 2016 / Ben / 0 Comments
Many parents find it difficult to know how to help their child with their school work. As methods of teaching change, it is worrying to know whether or not you are helping or hindering your child by trying to explain how to solve a mathematics problem, which grammar to use in an essay or how to research a particular topic. This is when educational workbooks can be very useful.
Publishers make sure that the books they produce are up to date with current Government guidelines and so parents can be assured that the content is relevant to the age and development of their child. When choosing a book, look at the recommended age and key stage. Books with reward stickers and certificates can give your child the incentive to complete the workbook.
If you are still unsure whether a particular book is going to be helpful, it is always a good idea to ask your child’s teacher who may be able to view the book online and advise you further.