A genius keeps it simple.
Children love thoughtful and simple activities. They also enjoy repeating their favourite activities over and over again. That is how we learn, by repeating patterns.
A very simple idea that I have suggested to parents over the years is to create a basket of books called ‘old favourites’. The basket may contain 8 - 10 books which I hope are well-loved, a bit thumbed, and enjoyed over and over again. There are so many beautiful children’s books out there and I have many recommendations.
My top 3 for your children would include:
The Tiger Who Came to Tea - Judith Kerr
Cuddly Duddley - Jez Alborough
The Owl Babies - Martin Waddell
The basket can be refreshed every 2 - 3 weeks but must contain at least half very well-loved, old favourites. The very best activity that you can enjoy with a young child, is to read together. If the book is simple, perhaps you may even consider it to be babyish, it doesn’t matter.
It is so important that a child knows how to hold a book correctly, understand print and the direction of text, can turn a page and understands what an author is. Familiar books can really settle a child and it is a good way to support your child to self-regulate and to calm down.
Many parents will say that one of their absolute favourite pastimes is to settle down and enjoy a great book together. When I was a child, one of my fondest memories is being read a bedtime story by my mother. ‘Just one more chapter…’ I used to ask. What a simple and wonderful way to teach your child to embrace a love of reading and the joy that a book can bring.