Parent Reading Tips For All Big W Free Books
Big W Free Books PLUS FREE Teaching & Talking Tips Download Printables
Big W is giving away FREE Books for 12 weeks to help impact childhood literacy. To help boost the impact even further SpeechNet is offering FREE Teaching and Talking Tips downloads for each FREE book.
What is inside each Teaching & Talking Tips Download Printable?
- Each Teaching & Talking Tips Download is written in our unique FOCUS SYSTEM Format (What is our FOCUS SYSTEM? See below!)
- Each download is broken down into two levels:
- 1) Boosting Early Words & Ideas for UNDER 24 MONTHS & LATE TALKERS
- 2) Boost Speech, Language, Literacy & Cognitive Development from 24 MONTHS to PRIMARY SCHOOL
- In these downloads you will receive pages++ of information and tips broken down into an easy to read and understand format that will inspire you with ideas that you can put into practice today.
- Use these Teaching and Talking Tips while reading. The download helps boost speech, language and literacy skills while reading
Children's Books Educational Resources
Visit this page each week to download all the FREE Teaching & Talking Tips Printables as they are released!
Teaching & Talking Tips:
Hush Little Possum by P. Crumble
FREE DOWNLOAD
Teaching & Talking Tips:
If You're Happy and You Know It! by P. Crumble
FREE DOWNLOAD
Stay tuned!
More Free Printables to come!
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Keep reading for More Ideas & valuable information!
Teaching & Talking Tips:
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
$2
Teaching & Talking Tips:
Where's My Teddy by Jex Smith
$2
What is our Unique FOCUS SYSTEM?
Each letter of the Word "FOCUS" refers to an aspect of communication that is important for communication & learning development.
FOCUS as a word was chosen as itself encompasses what we want carers to do. We want carers to learn the key strategies that help them to "FOCUS" on developing their child's communication and language development at all ages and stages of learning.
The "F" in FOCUS
Simply refers to the over all goals. That is, the "focus" is on communication and it's importance. One or more key learning goals will be identified as the focus for each product or service.
The "O" in FOCUS
It is important that parents and carers Observe children to help determine the child's "strengths and the potential areas that may benefit from a boost". The "O" for observe also means we need to help a child's ability to observe the things, people and actions in their everyday environment so that skill at observing the things they see and hear in their environments. That is, the "Observe" concept encompasses factors that help the carers and child FOCUS on developing Speech and Language at the correct level for their present skills and modelling one level above.
The "C" in FOCUS
Draws attention to the verbal and non-verbal pragmatics or "use" of communication. The "C" in way refers to the Conversation between people. It Helps carers develop and boost Social & Self-esteem Skills in children.
The "U" in FOCUS
Puts the FOCUS on Understanding skills - receptive language skills. Areas that may be highlighted could include: Receptive vocabulary, concept development - logical reasoning, attention skills, following instructions, Blank level of questions, auditory and visual memory skills,
The "S" in FOCUS
Concepts encompassed in this letter involve speech sound development, oro-motor skills, expressive language skills (eg., saying sentences).
The unique FOCUS™ system is at the heart of all our Online Programs, Printables, Books & Apps. It is based on state of the art research and knowledge, and is only available through SpeechNet.
Specific F, O, C, U, and S components appropriate for each stage of development have been developed in detail by Dr Sandra McMahon, Speech Pathologist, PhD for all of our products. These have been systematically developed by synthesising the research and knowledge regarding milestones expected at each stage of development, and methods and techniques known to enhance and optimise development of communication at the different ages and stages. See our Online Programs, Printables, Apps and more in our SpeechNet Shop. Pop & Top beautifully illustrated Sound Adventure books are also available for sale at our Shop.
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See how Focus on Toddler Talk can Start Boosting your child's Speech and Language today!
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Reading books to Children: Storytelling Tips
Reading books to children
In this Reading Books to Children blog we will look at reading books in Primary School from Prep to Grade 6
See also Reading to Babies, Toddlers & Preschoolers 3-5 yrs
Reading Books to Children in Primary School Prep - Grade 6
Free Attention Skills Checklist
Speech Pathologist
Dr Sandra McMahon PhD
My oldest boy was a very early reader. However, EVERY night after I put the younger children to bed, I would read a chapter to him as we lay in bed- ALL through primary school. Often, he would have read several chapters ahead of me. He would fill me in on what I missed before I read him some more. Now how good is that for a way to connect, to build his spoken language skills and to work on memory skills! It was our time together!
Now at 18 he expresses how special that time was
He loved the fact that I showed an interest in the books he loved (all magic, adventure and science fiction which is not my typical genres!). He is still a ferocious reader and learner! As we said in the baby books pages, reading together is more than just about the book itself – it is about fostering the love of interactions and creating a sense of joy that can only be obtained through reading together. Primary school books should be no exception.
Reading books to children and the Primary books you choose for your student or child needs to reflect:
The reading levels of children.
New learners to efficient readers!
- From Prep to Grade 3 children are learning how to read
- From Grade 3 children are reading to learn
A book that is too hard to read can reduce a child’s confidence and interest in books. A book that is too easy or “too baby-ish” can also deter primary school students from wanting to read.
Know your child’s reading level and choose primary school books that are at, or a tiny bit above, their level! Try not to get them to read at a level above their ability just because there are other students in the class that are at a higher level. Your child’s reading will falter rather than pushing them ahead if their reading skill is out of sync with their reading levels.
- Hint: read the harder books to them rather than asking them to read it – this can be more beneficial to your child’s ability to read than pushing them to read a book that really is too “hard”
The preferred format of the books.
Young readers love to have matching pictures to support their understanding and interest in what they are reading. Primary school books by the end of primary tend be more text dense than being loaded with pictures.
- But if your child is visual or gets put off by “lots of writing” you might like to consider the books that take on a “cartoon” style to keep their interest (e.g., Diary of a Whimpy Kid).
The kinds of things they are interested in.
Prep children may enjoy funny rhyming picture books, Grade 4 may love the cheeky “toilet focused humour” (e.g., Captain underpants), and later primary school books may begin to explore social themes and friendships in various settings and adventures.
- If a child expresses an interest in a topic (e.g., soccer, cooking, dragons, fairies) then look for books are at the right reading levels in that interest area. There is no better way to encourage a love of reading than to marry it up to a love they have in another area.
- Offer a range of topics and interest in the books you suggest so they can open their minds to what primary school books have to offer.
Keep reading aloud to your Primary School Child.
Often, we are using primary school books to “teach”.
- We want them to have a go at reading and somewhere along this line our focus goes away from the love of the story to hammering knowledge about letters, sounds, words, pausing at full stops.
- However, it is vitally important to keep the love of reading going.
Make special times to keep the lovely snugly times you had reading baby books and toddler books going. This reminds children that reading is fun and informative. Let them just listen and talk about the story as it unfolds sharing in the wonders books have to offer.
Peppy The Balloon Clown
Let's say the P sound eBook
Children's Books: Peppy The Balloon Clown "Let's say the P Sound"
Promoting Speech Development and Clarity Improving Sound Awareness for Reading Skills!
Pop, a magical character, and his friend Peppy the Balloon Character take Becky and Timmy on a exciting adventure to save the circus event! Watch with delight as the children reading the book bring the balloon characters to life with their magic chants.
This book however is so much MORE than a fun children’s story:
This children's book encourages CLEAR SPEECH, EARLY READING SKILLS, COMPREHENSION SKILLS AND SOCIAL CONCEPTS. It cleverly teaches children how to say the “p sound” and then helps them practice saying the sound with vowels (e.g., pee, par) and then in words (at the beginning, middle and end of words). Great for children that are not saying the “p” sound well (e.g., “pig” sounds like “big” or “cup” is said as “cu___”.
Children's Books: Age Related Books, Information & Tips
Children's Books Educational Resources
Use these Teaching and Talking Tips while reading. The download helps boost speech, language and literacy skills while reading
In these downloads you will receive pages++ of information and tips broken down into an easy to read and understand format that will inspire you with ideas that you can put into practice today.
Teaching & Talking Tips: The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
$2
Teaching & Talking Tips: Where's My Teddy by Jex Smith
$2
Primary School Books, Educational books Online, ebook
Primary School Books
Free Attention Skills Checklist
Primary School books are wide and varied
Why? Because primary school books need to change as the child moves from Prep to Grade 6! During this period, the primary school books you choose for your student or child needs to reflect:
The reading levels of children. New readers to efficient readers!
- From Prep to Grade 3 children are learning how to read
- From Grade 3 children are reading to learn
A book that is too hard to read can reduce a child’s confidence and interest in books. A book that is too easy or “too baby-ish” can also deter primary school students from wanting to read.
Know your child’s reading level and choose primary school books that are at, or a tiny bit above, their level! Try not to get them to read at a level above their ability just because there are other students in the class that are at a higher level. Your child’s reading will falter rather than pushing them ahead if their reading skill is out of sync with their reading levels.
- Hint: read the harder primary school books to them rather than asking them to read it – this can be more beneficial to your child’s ability to read than pushing them to read a book that really is too “hard”. See the Reading to Children blog page for more Tips and hints to help engage Primary school children in reading and the love of books. For more Tips and Information on Reading to Primary School Children See Our Reading to Children Blog!
Peppy The Balloon Clown
Let's say the P sound eBook
Children's Books: Peppy The Balloon Clown "Let's say the P Sound"
Promoting Speech Development and Clarity Improving Sound Awareness for Reading Skills!
Pop, a magical character, and his friend Peppy the Balloon Character take Becky and Timmy on a exciting adventure to save the circus event! Watch with delight as the children reading the book bring the balloon characters to life with their magic chants. This book however is so much MORE than a fun children’s story: This children's book encourages CLEAR SPEECH, EARLY READING SKILLS, COMPREHENSION SKILLS AND SOCIAL CONCEPTS.
The book cleverly teaches children how to say the “p sound” and then helps them practice saying the sound with vowels (e.g., pee, par) and then in words (at the beginning, middle and end of words). Great for children that are not saying the “p” sound well (e.g., “pig” sounds like “big” or “cup” is said as “cu___”.
Children's Books: Age Related Books, Information & Tips
You may also be interested in
Reading to Preschoolers: Kindergarten, Prep Storytelling Tips 3-5 year olds
Reading to Preschoolers
Free Attention Skills Checklist
Reading to Preschoolers is so beneficial. There is so much evidence that adult input during book reading in the preschool years is essential.
A recent study showed that reading to preschoolers provides a valuable context for word learning during early childhood. Understanding new words and saying a wide range of words has been linked to later school and academic success.
The study showed that the more that the parent or adult made the preschool book reading time interactive (rather than just reading the book to the child word for word), the more the child showed active attention, interest and learnt the meaning of more of the words in the books.
It seems it is less about what preschool books a child is exposed to than how interactive the parent when reading the book with the child. The success of shared book reading depends largely on a reader’s success in promoting children’s active engagement in the book.
This can be achieved by:
- Actively pausing at the end of a page and asking the preschool child questions about new words or ideas that was just read
- By responding promptly and in a positive manner to the child’s focus in the book e.g. you might be reading about the dog in the book but the child is more focused on or pointing a small butterfly in a picture nearby. Rather than telling them off for not listening a prompt response to acknowledge their interest can make all the difference.
- Preschool books vary greatly in their length and complexity. It is important to keep the shared reading time at a length that matches the child’s level of attention and development. This will vary with each preschool child.
- If a child initiates an interest to read try to grab the opportunity when they show the interest.
- Run you finger along the words as you read them to start to bring the Preschoolers attention to early reading awareness. At this age, they can be getting really interested in letters and shared reading time of preschool books is ideas early literacy awareness activities.
Children's Books: Age Related Books, Information & Tips
Children's Books Educational Resources
Use these Teaching and Talking Tips while reading. The download helps boost speech, language and literacy skills while reading
In these downloads you will receive pages++ of information and tips broken down into an easy to read and understand format that will inspire you with ideas that you can put into practice today.
Teaching & Talking Tips: The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
$2
Teaching & Talking Tips: Where's My Teddy by Jex Smith
$2
Peppy The Balloon Clown
Let's say the P sound eBook
Children's Books: Peppy The Balloon Clown "Let's say the P Sound"
Promoting Speech Development and Clarity Improving Sound Awareness for Reading Skills!
Pop, a magical character, and his friend Peppy the Balloon Character take Becky and Timmy on a exciting adventure to save the circus event! Watch with delight as the children reading the book bring the balloon characters to life with their magic chants. This book however is so much MORE than a fun children’s story: This children's book encourages CLEAR SPEECH, EARLY READING SKILLS, COMPREHENSION SKILLS AND SOCIAL CONCEPTS.
The book cleverly teaches children how to say the “p sound” and then helps them practice saying the sound with vowels (e.g., pee, par) and then in words (at the beginning, middle and end of words). Great for children that are not saying the “p” sound well (e.g., “pig” sounds like “big” or “cup” is said as “cu___”.
Mr Tongue Story eBook
Children's Books: Mr Tongue Story
A book that encourages children to FOCUS on imitation of tongue & lip movements - Ideal foundation skills for speech, language & eating.
FOCUSING on tongue and lip movements will increase a child's awareness of their tongue and lip movements. The story focusing on the range of tongue movements as well as the coordination & speech of the movements. Awareness of tongue movements can assist when directions are given to encourage imitation of correct speech sounds. However the book works on more than just "tongue exercises". Children are encouraged to copy movements at the mouth level. This can help in developing the pre-speech skill of imitation.
Social skills can be boosted as well as children are encouraged to look at people's faces, tongue and lips which can build eye contact. An increased general awareness of tongue & lips movements can also help the pre-speech skill of general attention as turn-taking is embedded in the copying routines.
Focus On Objects eBook
Children's Books: Focus On Objects
A children's book that talks at your child's speaking level and grows with them!
Parents without the skills of adapting books to the language level of a specific child may loose the child's FOCUS and the child's opportunity to learn from the story. If a story is delivered at a language level that is too high or too low for the child to fully engage in or learn from story. The book has 4 levels that you can read to them OR Dr Sandra McMahon, Speech Pathologist's voice over can be provided with a push of a button. This means the children can listen over and over. They see the words grow into sentences and have the words read for them. Great for early reading skills too!
This eBook is actually spoken by Dr Sandra McMahon to coach you on how to change the words, the tone and the intonation of what you are reading. This eBook is delivered at 4 different levels: Children with No Words, Children with Some Words, Children with 2-3 Word Sentences & Children Developing Longer Sentences. The book grows with your child.
Blewitt & Langan (2016). Learning words during shared book reading: The role of extratextual talk designed to increase child engagement. J Exp Child Psychol. 2016 Oct;150:404-10
Preschool books, Educational Online Prep books: 3-5 year olds
Preschool books
Preschool books are best accompanied by an enthusiastic adult partner! Just like shoes and socks and salt and pepper so naturally pair up – so should preschool books and adult interaction naturally pair up!
Free Attention Skills Checklist
Don’t get me wrong, it is also great to see 3-5 year old children sitting on their own flipping through preschool books! However, research has shown that the more book reading is a shared experience with an adult or parent, the more learning occurs.
Why do you think that there are so may book reading events in local libraries and playgroups? Why do you think that every CCC and Kindy programme will have an adult reading and talking about a book at some time in their daily programming? This is because there is so much evidence that adult input during book reading in the preschool years is essential.
Focus On Objects eBook
Children's Books: Focus On Objects
A children's book that talks at your child's speaking level and grows with them!
Parents without the skills of adapting books to the language level of a specific child may loose the child's FOCUS and the child's opportunity to learn from the story. If a story is delivered at a language level that is too high or too low for the child to fully engage in or learn from story. The book has 4 levels that you can read to them OR Dr Sandra McMahon, Speech Pathologist's voice over can be provided with a push of a button. This means the children can listen over and over. They see the words grow into sentences and have the words read for them. Great for early reading skills too!
This eBook is actually spoken by Dr Sandra McMahon to coach you on how to change the words, the tone and the intonation of what you are reading. This eBook is delivered at 4 different levels: Children with No Words, Children with Some Words, Children with 2-3 Word Sentences & Children Developing Longer Sentences. The book grows with your child.
Peppy The Balloon Clown
Let's say the P sound eBook
Children's Books: Peppy The Balloon Clown "Let's say the P Sound"
Promoting Speech Development and Clarity Improving Sound Awareness for Reading Skills!
Pop, a magical character, and his friend Peppy the Balloon Character take Becky and Timmy on a exciting adventure to save the circus event! Watch with delight as the children reading the book bring the balloon characters to life with their magic chants. This book however is so much MORE than a fun children’s story: This children's book encourages CLEAR SPEECH, EARLY READING SKILLS, COMPREHENSION SKILLS AND SOCIAL CONCEPTS.
The book cleverly teaches children how to say the “p sound” and then helps them practice saying the sound with vowels (e.g., pee, par) and then in words (at the beginning, middle and end of words). Great for children that are not saying the “p” sound well (e.g., “pig” sounds like “big” or “cup” is said as “cu___”.
Mr Tongue Story eBook
Children's Books: Mr Tongue Story
A book that encourages children to FOCUS on imitation of tongue & lip movements - Ideal foundation skills for speech, language & eating.
FOCUSING on tongue and lip movements will increase a child's awareness of their tongue and lip movements. The story focusing on the range of tongue movements as well as the coordination & speech of the movements. Awareness of tongue movements can assist when directions are given to encourage imitation of correct speech sounds. However the book works on more than just "tongue exercises". Children are encouraged to copy movements at the mouth level. This can help in developing the pre-speech skill of imitation.
Social skills can be boosted as well as children are encouraged to look at people's faces, tongue and lips which can build eye contact. An increased general awareness of tongue & lips movements can also help the pre-speech skill of general attention as turn-taking is embedded in the copying routines.
Children's Books Educational Resources
Use these Teaching and Talking Tips while reading. The download helps boost speech, language and literacy skills while reading
In these downloads you will receive pages++ of information and tips broken down into an easy to read and understand format that will inspire you with ideas that you can put into practice today.
Teaching & Talking Tips: The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
$2
Teaching & Talking Tips: Where's My Teddy by Jex Smith
$2