Great Times to Read in Child Care
Settings
T
r y T h e m T o d a y !
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Since
so many young children spend many of their waking hours in child care,
it's important for child care providers to make time to introduce every
child to wonderful books
and reading-related activities each day.
Good
children's books
are fun to read aloud.
These books lay the foundation for a love of reading, help children
develop
listening and expanded language skills, foster creative expression, and
build a basic knowledge of the world. By reading to children, you
are truly helping children increase their chances for life-long
learning,
literacy, and ongoing school success.
Every
day, there are
many times when books
"come in handy" and can be enjoyed.
Here
are some ideas -
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 At
arrival time, some youngsters may enjoy reading books or looking at
picture books nearby - while you greet newly-arriving children.
During "free time," when children can choose from a variety of
activities,
children can select favorite books to read by themselves, to each
other,
to stuffed animals and dolls, or with you.
During snack-time, children can listen to a short story or a chapter
read
aloud. This can be very enjoyable while helping diminish
"wiggling"
and fidgeting. It will keep the attention of fast eaters who
might
otherwise want to leave the table and perhaps go off out of sight, and
it will give everyone a shared topic of conversation while they eat.
During circle-time (a group time when everyone sits together for a few
minutes), a well-chosen story - with pictures large enough for kids to
see and with enough-but-not-too-much text - read aloud is a perfect
choice.
During "bathrooming" time (when you're changing diapers and/or helping
young children use the toilet, unbuckling overalls, etc.), have all
your
other children sit within sight - reading or looking at books while
they
wait their turn.
While you're preparing for lunch, a quiet activity time (including
books)
can be a big help to keep kids safe and calm - and within your sight.
Before nap-time, read a short story aloud (or let children look at
books
for a few minutes before nap-time officially begins). If children
have reached an age where they no longer sleep but still need to rest
and
not disturb others who are napping, you can give them a handful of
books
along with a puzzle or other quiet activity. If children wake
before
nap-time is over, they can be given books to silently enjoy.
Older children attending your program after school may enjoy a quiet
solitary
reading time after being with lots of kids in school and on the school
bus. Older children may feel pride about their ability to read
and
enjoy reading aloud to one or more younger children.
At
the end of the day, after having children clean up their toys, a
group
story-time and then an individual reading time can be a big help.
Kids will be calm, parents will be pleased, and you'll be better able
to
help "pick-up" time go well.
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