Communication & Language

Children’s books offer more than just a story

Storytime is a special moment for a grandparents and children alike. Sometimes an idea in a book can spark a child’s imagination and shape their play for hours to come... There is no doubt that my granddaughter Daisy loves books.  Having a book read to her at bedtime is part of her daily routine, with… Continue reading Children’s books offer more than just a story

Communication & Language

The joy of cooking together with your grandchild

Whenever my granddaughter Daisy comes to stay with me, her visit creates a series of highlights in my day from early morning cuddles to evening bath times.  These special moments now regularly happen in the kitchen. As she’s grown older and more independent, Daisy has discovered that, if she drags her little red chair over… Continue reading The joy of cooking together with your grandchild

Communication & Language

Double the fun – playing with pairs to develop and encourage children’s speaking skills

When was the last time you learned a new word? Maybe you had to look up some newly coined piece of internet slang, or found yourself stumped by an obscure answer to a crossword clue – either way, opportunities for adults to expand their vocabulary are limited unless we seek them out.  But for a… Continue reading Double the fun – playing with pairs to develop and encourage children’s speaking skills

Communication & Language

Sharing and taking turns; a granny’s perspective

I started to think about writing this blog last month when I noticed that Daisy had begun to use the possessive pronoun "my".  We heard her label everything as "My" - My Daddy, My Mummy, My teddy, My books.  She then began clutching an armful of toys or cuddlies, declaring "Mine"; she even referred to… Continue reading Sharing and taking turns; a granny’s perspective

Communication & Language

Cluck, quack, bleat, bark and miaow: listening to and copying sounds.

With her tiger in her hand, Daisy's just been chasing after Daddy and roaring loudly at him! At the moment, Daisy's very fond of her bagful of small world animals and daily she'll find her bag of animals and set them out in her play. Recently, the focus of her play with the small world… Continue reading Cluck, quack, bleat, bark and miaow: listening to and copying sounds.