Thursday 28 March 2013

Here's a great Easter book: "The Parable of the Lily"

 
Maggie, the farmer's youngest daughter, loves getting gifts, especially mysterious ones. One wintry day, she receives a package in the mail. She excitedly opens the package to find a bulb buried in a crate of dirt. This was not what Maggie expected. She had hoped for a doll or a game, not a bulb that would one day become a plant. When spring comes, she finds the bulb in the cellar and tosses the lifeless thing into the garden, never to think of it again. . . . Until she walks outside on Easter morning and finds the most beautiful lily she has ever seen. Through the unique gift of a bulb, Maggie discovers the power of grace and forgiveness and the true meaning of Easter.


 
 

Monday 18 March 2013

Tips For Parents Who Read With Their Children


  

Here are some tips for making reading more fun and successful


  • Sit together in a nice spot where both of you will be comfortable
  • Make sure both of you can see, touch and experience the book
  • Notice the picture on the cover of the book; what clues does it give you about the book?
  • Who is the author? Have your read other books or stories that you've liked by the same author?
  • Take turns, each reading pages or certain sections
  • Take time to talk about the pictures, and others things that both of you like about the book
  • Use your finger and glide under each word as you read along
  • At the end of the story, review what it was about.
  • Try another book if you are both still keen.  Don't push or force, try to simply have fun and enjoy!