25/03/2021
https://www.facebook.com/OxonEarlyYears/photos/2850274298521830
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Today’s top tip is to create a special photo book of important people and things!
Giving children your time and attention to talk about things that are familiar to them and are of interest to them is invaluable. One idea might be to make a small child – sized photo book of pictures of family and friends, you could include pets, favourite places, activities and special toys. This is effective even with children of a few months old. Another idea is to create an online photo album on your phone to look at together.
Sharing the book or album together gives an opportunity to revisit special days, e.g. “This is the first time I held you when you were a tiny baby. I can see your tiny toes!”, “I remember that day – Grandad let you do some digging in his garden. Look at that spade you are holding – it’s nearly taller than you!” “It can also help you to help children talk about things that have changed over time.
The opportunity to revisit and replay memories is powerful. Books or albums like this will last for years and become treasured items. Add a sprinkling of new words each time you share the book together. E.g. “Grandad is helping you dig the compost into the earth” to help children expand their vocabulary.
Hearing children tell you about all the special people and things in their life when they eventually tell you the ‘story’ of each photo is wonderful too!
Each Tuesday, we will be posting top tips, helpful hints and playful activities to promote early language development. Pop along and join in the chat! Have you started to share these ideas with families every Tuesday?
