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This is part 2 of our Early Literacy ideas. Click here to start from the beginning. I have curated some ideas of what you can offer at home if your child asks for literacy-based activities. Below you will find the activities for the element 'Reading and Viewing'. If you want to read more about Speaking and Listening click here and for writing here. Reading and Viewing Reading starts with phonological awareness and phonics knowledge. Most people who ask me for tips are looking for activities on phonics knowledge. Still, it is so essential to focus on phonological awareness first. Phonological...

As a teacher and the mother of a pre-schooler, I often get asked how I prepare my child for school. The quick answer would be: "I prepare him by letting him play." There is lots of research showing the benefits of play and how important it is for children to have bountiful time to just play… No setups, no hidden agenda, no goals to be ticked off. It is quite a natural development for a 4-ish-year-old child to develop an intrinsic interest in letters and numbers. (and If your child is not – that is fine too. It should really...

Flashcards tend to conjure such a boring visual. Sitting there, holding up card after card making your child say what's on them. But trust me when I say I have NEVER used flashcards in this way. It's totally unnecessary when there are so many fun ways to use them. Flashcards make a great resource to have in your home to complement your toy collection.  We are often asked when to introduce flashcards. For a very rough estimate I would say 18-24 months but really I would follow your child and when they show interest in a certain topic or you think they might start to be...

Have you got a newborn and a toddler? Or perhaps you are expecting a newborn in the coming months and will be making the transition from 1 to 2, or 2 to 3 or more? I’m Ashleigh, mum to my 3.5 year old daughter and 22 month old son. And just recently, in May, we welcomed our third child – another little boy into the family.  The transition into parenthood, is all about working out how to keep this totally dependent little infant alive. I remember coming home from hospital, with my baby and without a manual, thinking that I...