The theories of child language acquisition
When we think about child language acquisition, we are thinking about how language is gained and how it is developed. As soon as babies are born, they interact with the people around them, and their journey towards learning and using language begins.
Early years communication: how to create a language-rich space
Creating a language-rich environment may sound complicated. Thankfully, it’s not. It simply means ‘a place to talk’. It's the way you use your space to talk to your child, as well as the toys, books and activities you choose, to create a ‘language-rich environment’.[1] Every response that is given to your child, whether that be a comment, a repetition of what they have said, or a new conversation with lovely words your child may not have heard before, can be defined as language rich.
Choosing books for a baby
Why is reading important for babies?
It might seem like a funny idea to read to a baby. You might think, “My baby can’t understand what I am saying”, “They don't know what the words mean,” or “They can’t hold a book.” Surely reading is for when they get a little bit older?
Choosing books for a toddler
The importance of sharing stories with toddlers
Story times present wonderful moments for shared experiences between you and your toddler. Books are a magical resource that can inspire ideas or transport you into a world far beyond your home. It is likely that your toddler has begun to have lots of interests, such as transport, dinosaurs or nature, to name a few. There will be plenty of books available that suit their interests and provide an opportunity to learn more about their likes and fascinations.
Sharing books with your child
Why is reading important?
Reading with children is a wonderful experience, and it is during these early years that children can develop a lifelong love of books.. When we read with our children as parents or family members, we can pass on huge amounts of enthusiasm about reading. Picture books are an excellent way to introduce children to reading; plot and subplot, goodies and baddies, mysteries to be solved and guessed at, heroes on missions, compassion, achievement, intrigue, resolution, and much more may all be found in picture books.
Choosing books for a preschooler
Why is reading important?
We all know the feeling of getting lost in a good book, when time seems to stand still and the world around us melts away. Reading and sharing stories with your preschooler creates precious moments that have a wonderful emphasis on connecting with one another. The invitation to enter a magical new world with the physical closeness of a very loved adult is extremely hard to resist.
Emotional skills in children – what is self-regulation?
There is no one simple answer to this question. It can be explained as a child's growing ability to control their emotions, ideas, and behaviour in order to act positively. It is also the ability to adjust behaviour to meet the situation they are in or have been presented with. When children are young, they do not know how to regulate their feelings and they cannot make sense of their feelings or how to express them.
Developing critical-thinking skills in your child, whatever their age
Too many cardboard boxes - not enough ideas?
Cardboard boxes can be hugely exciting. Have you ever wondered why children can sometimes get more use out of a box than the content of the box?
We all want a sustainable Christmas
As Christmas approaches and we start thinking about gifts, meals, parties and the big day itself, many of us are increasingly aware of the benefits of sustainability during the festive period. Here at My First Five Years, we have been asked to participate in sustainable Secret Santa groups, donate gifts to those in need and whether we can help in any way to support groups who provide food on Christmas Day.
