Reading a story before bed

Developing literacy from an early age

Did you know that developing literacy from an early age can set your child up for a very bright start. This week is National Book Week and the Children’s Book Council of Australia wants all children to share a joy for reading and reap the benefits of literacy.

It’s a great time to get inspired by books.  I can still remember my Dad reading The Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis to me as a young girl.  My Dad’s passion for reading then inspired me to become a voracious reader!  My kids now read so much that at times I need to tell them to stop and get ready!

Benefits of Developing Literacy from an Early Age

Developing literacy from an early age

Reading to your child from an early age offers so many benefits:
• bonding and sharing an experience
• baby learns about communication
• introduces concepts in a fun way such as letters,  numbers, counting, shapes, colours
• helps with life events such as hospital stays, new baby arriving (we would read “There’s a House Inside My Mummy” to Jacob every day before Emily was born)
• builds skills in listening, memory and vocabulary
• the more you read, the more your child will be exposed to language and this in turn will assist speaking.

When to Start Reading

The Children’s Book Council of Australia recommends:
• to start reading from birth and read every day
• read whenever and wherever you can
• read their favourite stories over and over – Jacob’s all-time favourite was I’m Going on a Bear Hunt
• sing songs, lullabies and rhymes – clap, jiggle or bounce your baby along with the rhyme
• let your baby play with the books – board books are perfect for grabbing, mouthing, throwing and even turning pages
• speak slowly and clearly.

Types of Books to Read

Look for books that:
• have bright, clear and simple pictures
• familiar objects like animals, food and toys
• nursery rhymes and fairy tales
• simple stories with few words or even no words
• large print
• touch and feel, lift-the-flap, novelty books with mirrors and noisy books
• repetition, rhythm and rhyme
• lightweight yet sturdy books such as board books

Reading as Part of the Bedtime Routine

Bubbaroo highly recommends incorporating reading into your bedtime routine. First you can give your baby a bath after dinner, then offer milk and some wind down time. Next, dress baby in their Bubbaroo Joey Swag Baby Sleeping Bag. This gives them a cue that soon it will be time to go to bed. Go to their room, or a quiet place and enjoy a few books together. Then turn off the lights and give baby a little cuddle until drowsy. Finally it’s time to pop baby in their cot ready to go to sleep. For more information read our blog Bedtime Routine for Baby.

Check Out Your Local Library

Visiting your local library is a great free and easy activity that you can do with your child. Some libraries hold Baby Rhyme time programs. Check out your local library and see what’s on offer!

Have fun reading with your baby and enjoy special time together! Developing literacy from an early age can be a fun activity for all. Here’s a couple of suggestions that my kids’ loved as young children – I think I may be able to read a few of them verbatim…

There's a house inside my mummy - a Bubbaroo favouriteThe hungry caterpillar - A Bubbaroo favouritePossum magic - a Bubbaroo favouriteWe're going on a bear hunt - a Bubbaroo favourite

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