Page 43 - Waterfall City Issue 2 February 2024
P. 43
RAISING
LIFELONG READERS
I n the bustling streets of imagination lays the foundation for language • “That’s Not My Puppy” by Fiona Watt
and Rachel Wells – A touch-and-feel
and the quiet corners of learning,
development and cognitive skills. For
infants and toddlers, choose books that
books offer a unique gateway to
book with various textures to explore.
worlds unknown and knowledge
simple yet engaging stories.
unbound. For children, the journey are interactive, colourful, and full of Cultivating Young Minds: Books for
into reading is not just about learning Here are five excellent starters: Preschool to Elementary School
to decode words; it’s about sparking a • “Where’s Spot?” by Eric Hill – A playful, Children, Ages 4-8
flame of curiosity, imagination, and a lift-the-flap book perfect for interactive At this stage, children start to perceive
lifelong love for literature. This guide reading. books as gateways to vast, imaginative
aims to assist parents in navigating this • “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric worlds. They begin to understand
journey, from the babbling of babies to Carle – A classic, teaching counting and narratives and develop personal
the thoughtful musings of young adults. the days of the week with beautiful preferences. Books should be engaging,
illustrations. with a mix of vibrant illustrations and text
The Bedrock of Early Literacy • “Peek-A Who?” by Nina Laden – An that challenges yet does not overwhelm.
From the very first coo, a child’s entertaining, guessing game book with Here are five recommended reads:
experience with books is less about vibrant pictures. • “The Gruffalo” by Julia Donaldson – A
reading words and more about • “Dear Zoo” by Rod Campbell – A captivating tale with rhythmic text and
discovering stories through pictures, delightful, lift-the-flap adventure enchanting illustrations.
textures, and sounds. This early exposure featuring different animals. • “Matilda” by Roald Dahl – A story of a
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