Children never really stop watching you – they see how you walk, talk, laugh, stress…and they see you when you read. In addition to picking great books for your child(ren) to read, it’s equally important to create a culture of reading in your home, and be a role model reader. Here are a few tips from Scholastic Parents to get you started with being a reading role model for children aged 3-5.

Reading belongs in your life, as a regular part of every day. Don’t limit it to libraries and classrooms. By making the written word a part of your living space, you encourage reading as a lifelong event. Ensure books, magazines, and newspapers are all readily available.

When you are explaining an interesting fact or story, let your child know which booked helped you. Our knowledge is largely shaped by the things we read, and reading gives us something to connect with eachother around.

If you choose to visit a library, bookstore, or browse through the magazines at the drugstore, bring your child along and make it an event! Even if you aren’t looking for anything in particular, model excitement as you browse and admire.

If you’re getting into a really great article or book, remember to share your process. Motivate reluctant readers by opening up conversation and showing early readers that it’s not only a solitary experience. You might pause to share that you’re unfamiliar with a new word, or read an interesting fact aloud.

Reading can be fun (not just work), so show them! Evening cuddles with a good book, books that share songs and manipulative play – it shows your little one that reading is one of the many highlights of the day!

This month’s information sessions for parents and caregivers is about the importance of play. This is a great opportunity to bring your questions and learn how to support your child’s development through the power of play.

So why is play so important? Well, children learn the best when they actively engage in play – and it fosters all aspects of development: social, emotional, cognitive, and language skills.

• Play supports cognitive skills, such as language and literacy, math, and the arts.

• Play enhances children’s social and emotional development, including self-esteem, empathy, cooperation, and respect for others.

• Play enhances children’s physical development, such as balance, coordination, and muscle enhancement.

• Play increases creativity. According to a growing body of research, scientists have found a strong link between kids who engage in this type of play with a high level of creativity in adulthood. It is also predictive of “divergent” thinking — generating creative ideas by exploring many possible solutions — and original thinking over time.

So what kinds of activities and experiences can you facilitate to cover these developmental domains at Creating Together? Here are some quick and easy tips:

1. Blocks – Block Play encourages children to be productive and creative, while giving experiences in sorting, grouping, comparing, and arranging. Did you know we have a special Building Blocks station at Creating Together for you to come and enjoy?
2. Sensory Activities – Sensory activities support children’s science and mathematical concepts. Sand Play and Water Play are naturally soothing materials so make for great mediums for both learning and relaxation. Sifting, scooping, sinking, floating – these are all activities that promote physical dexterity while enhancing cognitive and social skills. At Creating Together, you can enjoy our sensory tables and reap the benefits of Sensory Play!
3. Art – Art experiences provide children with the pleasure of working with and manipulating materials, while also fulfilling their need for movement, self-expression, and achievement. Coming soon: Egg and Cupcake Decorating on April 18th!
4. Music – Music increases children’s perception, imagination, language skills, and self-expression. All this, while also contributing to the development of listening skills and memory strategies! Join us for circle time with musical instruments at Creating Together every Tuesday at 11 and 2:30.

So mark your calendars for the April 24th and 26th Information Sessions, to learn how you can take advantage of all we have to offer at Creating Together, to give your child the best start.