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Why reading to young children enhances grandparenting experience
Sharing books with grandchildren is a wonderful way for grandparents to bond, pass on wisdom and ignite a love for reading. But, if you’re just experiencing the joys of being a grandparent for the first time, it’s also been a while since you read to a toddler or young child.
So, while some things have changed over time, popular children’s books remain timeless. With that in mind, here are some delightful book recommendations that grandparents and grandchildren can enjoy together.
Break out the classics: There are two iconic books that are almost rites of passage that every child needs to have read to them (or they’ve learned to read themselves). Make sure you have these two on the bookshelf: The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle and Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne.
Carle’s beloved classic is perfect for young children. The story of a caterpillar’s transformation into a butterfly is beautifully illustrated and teaches counting, days of the week and the life cycle of a butterfly. Generations of children have now gone through life knowing this story, and they can’t all be wrong about its qualities.
The adventures of Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood are just as timeless. Though the Disney cartoon might be a bit old now, in terms of aesthetics for modern children’s taste, the stories themselves are filled with gentle humour, important messages about friendship and the simple joys of life.
Go on adventures and imagination: For children who are a little bit older, the early years are the years to engage the imagination with stories of big, magical things. Research shows that exposing children to imaginative ideas helps set in place a lifelong capability to be imaginative, so these books are not just a good way to bond. They’re an important step in the child’s development. Two classics stand out – Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak and Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling.
This story of Max’s journey to the land of the Wild Things is a celebration of imagination and adventure. The stunning illustrations and rhythmic text make it a joy to read aloud. Grandparents can encourage their grandchildren to let their imaginations run wild, just like Max.
For older grandchildren, the magical world of Harry Potter is a fantastic choice. The story of a young wizard discovering his identity and facing incredible challenges is captivating. Grandparents and grandchildren can embark on this magical journey together, discussing their favourite characters and moments.
Learn some important life lessons: There is a serious side to reading. Good books don’t just weave great stories, but they can also help children learn critical life skills like empathy and morality. These two books – The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein and Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White – are an excellent place to start to make sure the child gains the benefit of literature in their early development.
With the former, this poignant story about a tree that gives everything to a boy is a beautiful lesson in selflessness and love. After reading them the book, use it as an opportunity to have a meaningful conversation with your grandchildren about generosity and gratitude.
The tale of a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a spider named Charlotte is heartwarming and teaches valuable lessons about friendship, loyalty and the cycle of life. Just be prepared to help the child understand why loss is an important part of life.
Share a love and passion for Australia: Many Australian authors have written wonderful books for children, so it’s a good idea to make sure you read some of these to them as a way of getting them involved with Australian arts and culture from an early age.
Possum Magic by Mem Fox is an enchanting story that follows Grandma Poss and her granddaughter Hush as they journey across Australia to find the magic that will make Hush visible again. The book is filled with Australian animals and landscapes, making it a delightful way to share a love for Australia with a grandchild.
Diary of a Wombat by Jackie French is a humorous book provides a glimpse into the life of a wombat via diary entries. It’s a fun and engaging read that showcases Australian wildlife. A great time to read this book might be after a trip to the zoo to see an actual wombat, making the story more relatable.
Encourage curiosity and learning: Finally, not everything has to be fiction. There are plenty of non-fiction children’s books that can help inspire in them a passion for learning. Try several books covering different areas to see where your grandchild’s interests and potential skills lie.
National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Why by Amy Shields is a good starting point. For curious minds, this book is filled with answers to all sorts of ‘why’ questions. It’s a great way for grandparents to encourage their grandchildren’s curiosity and love of learning. The colourful photos and easy-to-understand explanations make it a hit with young readers.
How Things Work by Conrad Mason provides fascinating insights into how everyday things work, from machines to natural phenomena. It’s perfect for older grandchildren who are interested in understanding the world around them. Grandparents can share their own knowledge and experiences, making the learning process more enriching.
This is just a start, but filling the shelves with these books is a great way to inspire and delight while also having that all-important bonding time with your grandchild.
