Reading to little ones is like planting seeds in a garden. The earlier you start, the more they bloom. Research shows that reading to kids from a young age has heaps of benefits. It helps them learn new words, understand how sentences work, and get into the rhythm of language. Stories fire up their imaginations, helping them think creatively and solve problems. Plus, they pick up on patterns, predict what's next, and it's a great way to bond—it's like a warm, snuggly hug in book form! Listening to stories also helps kids focus and pay attention, which is super handy for school. And books open up new worlds, teaching kids about different cultures and ideas, and helping them learn to care about others.
At Gee and Me, we've created activities that turn storytime into a whole day of bookish fun. Picture this: after reading a story like "Where is the Green sheep," you and your little one can make their very own green sheep. Or if they're into "Greta and the Giants," you can colour and decorate your own page filled with woodland creatures. How about following one of our hands on activity cards that gets you up and moving and connecting together with the world around you. And don't forget music and dance—sing songs related to the story or make up silly dances to go with it.
Reading with kids isn't just for the early years—it sets them up for a love of learning that lasts a lifetime. When books are fun and full of love, kids are more likely to keep diving into them. And I am extremely passionate about creating children (and in turn students) who enjoy reading and can engage with books and the written word from a young age.
As an upper primary teacher I have seen to many children make it to 7,8,9 years old and they are not competent readers which stops them from engaging with so much of the content and joy of learning. I definitely don't want this for Gee or your little ones, which is why I am so passionate about starting to develop these early literacy skills from infancy!
At Gee and Me, we're all about making reading an enganing, fun adventure. Our activities are all about adding extra fun and learning to each page of your favourite stories. So grab your books, get your craft gear ready, and let's go on an awesome journey of imagination together.
With Gee and Me, reading will be a magical experience your kids will treasure forever.
Happy reading!
Are you a 'show me the research' person? If so follow the link below to read an article with more information!
