Reading

Make reading time fun! Make it a time for laughter and talk. Make it a special time together;

Find a relaxing spot, and sit close with your child;

10-15 minutes if you can;

All children like to be read to, so read to them;

While you are reading, encourage your child to point to the words with their finger, or follow along with their eyes;

Get your child to read to you if they can or read together;

Talk about the pictures in the book;

Sing lots of waiata and songs, read poems and rhymes;

Read texts and emails from family or whānau aloud;

Play card and board games together;

Be a role model. Let your child see you enjoying reading and talk about what you are enjoying;

Point out words on signs and labels;

Play word games like "I Spy" and "Simon Says…"

Praise your child for making an effort;

Talk a lot to your child while you are doing things together - all literacy begins with oral language.