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
Tag: Books & Reading
Nurturing a love of books and reading
As preschool children grow, their leaps into independence become impossible to ignore. With her fifth birthday on the horizon, I’ve noticed that my granddaughter Daisy has become more content to play on her own for longer periods, where previously would insist on the participation of an adult playmate. While her parents cook, do chores, or… Continue reading Nurturing a love of books and reading
Teaching your child to write their name
I remember well the family conversations that were shared about possible names for our grandchild, Daisy. Now it’s impossible to imagine her having any other name! We’ve watched as she’s grown and have seen how she’s taken ownership of her name and become a ‘proper’ Daisy. Our children and grandchildren take their name and invariably… Continue reading Teaching your child to write their name
Happy World Book Day 2021!
Today is World Book Day! For this year's edition, my granddaughter Daisy is wearing a homemade outfit and is dressed as a character from one of her many favourite books: the Ladybird from the wonderful What the Ladybird Heard series of books by Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks! There are some excellent activities to explore… Continue reading Happy World Book Day 2021!
All set for World Book Day 2021
World Book Day is always popular with my family. This annual event takes place at the beginning of March and my granddaughter Daisy always enjoys dressing as a book character on that day; in previous years her costumes have honoured The Tiger Who Came To Tea by Judith Kerr, The Highway Rat by Julia Donaldson… Continue reading All set for World Book Day 2021
Using magnetic letters for remote phonics fun
The third UK lockdown has brought families and educators new challenges and new ways to do so many things. In fact, during a recent family video call I discovered a new activity to enjoy with my four-year-old granddaughter Daisy – one that is only possible when we’re not in the same room! Last year Daisy… Continue reading Using magnetic letters for remote phonics fun
Lockdown Storytime: homeschool activities for preschoolers
My granddaughter Daisy has several storytimes throughout her busy day. Storytime is an integral part of a young child’s day, one that helps to develop their creativity and imagination, especially for preschool learners. Parents very quickly discover that young children have their favourite stories, which they enjoy listening to over and over again – these… Continue reading Lockdown Storytime: homeschool activities for preschoolers
As libraries reopen, the Summer Reading Challenge begins
Local libraries across the UK have begun to reopen as lockdown restrictions, triggered by the pandemic, gradually relax. With this in mind, I began to gather up our library books (those I’d borrowed for Daisy, and my own), ready to return them when I had an opportunity. As I collected the books together, I reflected… Continue reading As libraries reopen, the Summer Reading Challenge begins
Understanding and practising social distancing
I was ready to write a blog this morning but instead I want to share this piece from the BBC. Julia Donaldson and Alex Scheffler have created some picture panels to help young children understand about the current regulations for social distancing. At the end of the feature there's a link to the Gruffalo Facebook… Continue reading Understanding and practising social distancing
Bringing The Learning Play Into Your Home
Yesterday, through the wonders of modern technology I was able to watch Daisy playing at home with Mummy and Daddy. When Daisy plays at home, her play is different from the play she has when she's at a playgroup or with the childminder. In Early Years environments, activities usually have 'zones' for different types of… Continue reading Bringing The Learning Play Into Your Home
Granny Smith's Diary 