Grandparents can make learning a lot of fun. October 22, 2019 – Posted in: Blog
It often amazes me that busy parents don’t fully utilise the skills and knowledge of their own parents when bringing up their child. Grand parents are full of knowledge and skills. One of those skills and support tools is reading to your child. I enjoyed reading many different books to my grandchildren and still impart stories at time even though they are well into their teens. If your parents aren’t really motivated or are disabled maybe the best way they can help is to read a book to the kids. A friend of mine has two children aged 3 and 5 and she drops them over to her parents each afternoon after day care and while she shops and get dinner ready Ma and Pa read books to the children. Generally once dinner is ready she lets her parents know and they drop the kids home.
NOW I know thats good if you live close but if you are farther away and can only visit irregularly have a couple of books on hand and suggest Grandpa read one to them! I can still remember my grandsons actually racing to get their showers so we could read stories of the Vikings and the greek Mythology when they were 10+. But we also read easier stories when they were little some of them quite old , Noddy, Snugglepots and the Gumnut babies. They would laugh at some of the antics.
Grandparents often have precious stories and life experiences to share. Telling stories and reading with your child can support their literacy skills, and it is also a wonderful bonding experience. Encourage your child’s grandparents to tell and read stories to your child.
Talking about the past
Children can learn a sense of respect for their elders through nurturing relationships with their grandparents. Hearing stories of the past, such as what life was like for Grandpa when he was a little boy and hearing how Grandma used to ride a horse to school, can give children an awareness of history. Stories about family history and traditions can build a sense of culture, belonging and heritage. This is more prevalent in Australia as we have such a diverse and multicultural society.
Learning everyday
Grandparents can help support your child’s learning in the everyday activities they do together. For example, you can encourage your child’s grandparents to point out and name trees, flowers, birds, and insects when they spend time outdoors with your child, encourage them to ask your child to help do a puzzle or help with measuring ingredients when cooking. Imagine the awe in their eyes when Grandma says oh a handful is about right rather than using a measuring cup or Grandpa shows them how he had billy tea!
I remember when my children would visit their grandparents and how their grandfather would take them into his garden and show them the vegetables he was growing or when he took them to a friends farm to collect the eggs and chickens. Their grandma would cook dinner and read stories to them at night they loved to visit.
Ollie or Alice are great books to go to sleep with and our new addition Beanz Bear can be a great snuggle friend as well. Whilst Smelly Melly can provide some daily laughter between your children and the reader. I hope you enjoy them.
