Are you ready to unlock the magic of numbers with your little ones? Counting books are a fantastic way to introduce children to the world of numbers in a fun and engaging manner. From one to ten and beyond, these books not only teach kids how to count but also help develop their cognitive and mathematical skills.   In this article, we will explore the best counting books for kids that are guaranteed to captivate young minds and foster a love for numbers. Whether your child is just starting to learn how to count or needs a refresher, there is a book out there that will ignite their imagin ..read more

These questions are only suggestions - to give you an idea of the types of things you could talk about when sharing a picture book with your child. Not all of them will be appropriate for the age or reading readiness of your child - but you will know which ones are most suitable for your own situation. Front and back covers If it's a book you haven't shared before, you can talk about the front cover. Read the title. For older children you can point out the author and illustrator names and talk about what an author and illustrator is. Have we read any other books by this author? If so - do yo ..read more

Tips for new parents who have disabilities Embracing parenthood is a journey filled with remarkable moments, yet it also brings forth unique challenges, particularly for individuals with disabilities. In this guide, you'll discover essential insights and practical advice for soon-to-be parents with disabilities. This ideas here aim to empower you in effectively preparing both your living spaces and lives for the remarkable journey that lies ahead. Build Your Support System Building a strong support network is vital for future parents with disabilities. Prioritize reaching out to family, frien ..read more

How music can unlock a child's potential Music has the power to shape the minds and hearts of our little ones, but did you know it can also be a key to unlocking their literacy skills? From expanding their vocabulary to enhancing critical thinking, this article written by guest blogger Carrie Spencer and shared by teacher and author Frances Mackay delves into how the enchanting world of melodies and rhythms can play a vital role in a child's development. Music’s Power on Vocabulary Songs offer more than entertainment; they serve as a pathway to language acquisition. Through catchy tunes and m ..read more

The third Tuesday in May is International Dinosaur Day, but it is also celebrated on June 1st. Why are kids so fascinated with dinosaurs? Many children, between the ages of 2 and 6 develop what scientists call an ‘intense interest’ in things such as trains, planes, diggers or dinosaurs. Scientists are not entirely sure why these interests happen but it is a perfectly normal part of the learning process. Kate Morgan, in her article ‘A Psychological Explanation for Kids’ Love of Dinosaurs’ (Science of Us, Dec 6, 2017) comments: Paleontologist Kenneth Lacovara was a young boy with an intense int ..read more

This is an interesting article written by Regan McMahon, editor and journalist, about the value of reading to older kids. Every parent knows that it's good to read to kids when they're little. It helps babies, toddlers, and pre-schoolers develop spoken language, recognize letters and words, and get ready for kindergarten. But it's actually beneficial to read to kids even after they can read on their own. Research shows that continued reading aloud after age 5 (and well beyond) improves reading and listening skills and academic performance (and is also loads of fun!). Here are 10 reasons to ke ..read more

Tips for teaching kids to count:ips for teaching kids to count:   1. Start with small numbers: Begin by teaching your child to count from 1 to 10. Once they have mastered this, gradually increase the numbers to 20, 30, and so on. 2. Use visual aids: Use objects such as counting bears or blocks to help your child visualize the numbers they are learning. It’s easier if everything in the group is the same, such as beans, spoons, counters. 3. Practice counting aloud: Encourage your child to say the numbers out loud as they count, this will help them to learn the correct pronunciation and h ..read more

Celebrating Diwali with picture books I am pleased to share this post about Diwali from guest blogger author, Shachi Kaushik. As we approach the enchanting Festival of Lights, Diwali, we embark on a celebration that transcends cultural boundaries. Diwali, or Deepavali, signifies the victory of light over darkness and hope over despair. This vibrant festival, observed by millions around the world, is a time of dazzling decorations, the glow of diyas, and the sparkle of fireworks. In this blog, we invite you to explore the essence of Diwali through the lens of several picture book authors. Thei ..read more

Tips for using picture books with older children: 1. Explore the book before reading it to make sure it has content that may lead to deeper discussion. 2. Check for opportunities to predict, infer, hypothesise and change opinions as the story progresses. 3. Does the book offer opportunities to discuss the plot, characters, theme and story structure? 4. Will the illustrations engage an older child? With older children you can ask questions that explore the characters and plot in more detail than with younger children. Examples of question include: How do you know what the characters are feelin ..read more

Five funny picture books: Kids love funny books, so here’s my selection of some of the best funny picture books out there. 1. This Book is Perfect by Ron Keres Finn is not like most frogs. Finn likes things clean— perfectly clean. His book is immaculate. It’s amazing. It’s PERFECT. (Well, according to him) When an oopy, goopy mess starts creeping its way onto his pages, Finn is determined to fix it. But not all messes can be fixed. And not all messes should be fixed. Can Finn learn to live with the fact that his book will never be the same? Join in on a fun and interactive story the whole fa ..read more