We know how it can be.
You're looking for a very specific title or category of books because you're preparing a lesson plan for your students.
You're scouring the Internet, publishers' websites, Amazon and Goodreads for the latest recommendations.
Or you've hit the end of school term and you suddenly have some budget that you'll like to invest in a book collection.
At My Imagination Kingdom, we're proud to say that we have worked with teachers, librarians and school administrators to benefit thousands of children all over Singapore.
If you're looking at doing a bulk purchase of children's books, it might be helpful to go through this list of FAQs we have compiled. Of course, if you feel that none of the answers below address your concerns, please do not hesitate to write to us at: myimaginationkingdom@gmail.com
1. What is the process like when we're looking to do a bulk purchase?
2. If I can't find the books I'm looking for via your online store or your retail store, does that mean you don't carry the items we are looking for?
Fear not. Space is limited in our retail store and we prefer not to overwhelm our customers who are shopping online with anything and everything under the sun.
We would strongly encourage you to drop us an email so we can further consult with you on what you're looking for. From there, we can help you do a proper check with our vendors or curate the specific titles you need before advising you further.
3. Do you have a minimum order quantity for bulk purchases?
No, there is no minimum order quantity required for us to place a special order for you. However, as the term suggests, bulk purchases are often entitled to some discounts due to the volume.
4. What kind of discounts can I expect if I make a bulk purchase?
We will only be able to advise on this when we have a better idea of the type of purchase you're making. For example, buying multiple copies of the same title is different from buying single units of multiple different titles. In the first situation, we can work directly with the same vendor to secure a better discount for you. However, in the second situation, as we're the ones curating the titles for you, we'll need to understand the final purchase value to assess the best discount we can offer.
As such, we strongly encourage you to drop us an email at: myimaginationkingdom@gmail.com so we can discuss your needs further
5. Do I have to pay for delivery?
As with all our online purchases, any purchase above $50 is entitled to free delivery!
6. What kind of payment modes do you accept?
Payment can be made via credit card, cheque or cash on delivery
7. I'm a local primary school teacher / librarian. Do you do e-invoicing?
Yes, we absolutely do. We have worked with many local primary schools before and are able to invoice you via the Vendors@Gov online system. Once the books have been delivered to the school, we will proceed to submit the e-invoice online.
8. How long will it take for the books to arrive?
This depends largely on the source of books e.g. local or overseas and the availability. As such, it can take between 1 week (for local titles) to 4 weeks (for overseas titles) to get the books into our store after the order has been placed. Do note that this does not take into account the time that is taken to confirm the final book list.
9. How many days of credit do you provide?
Apart from schools that require us to do e-invoicing, our policy is to request for payment upon delivery. We can collect a cheque or cash from you upon delivery. Alternatively, you can also choose to pay us via credit card before we make our delivery.
However, we do understand that in some situations, you may need a specific number of days of credit. In such a situation, we will review it on a case-by-case basis and work closely with you to find a solution that works for all of us.
10. Do I need to pay you if I choose not to proceed with the purchase?
No, you don't. We do not charge you any fees for the curation of a book list. Although, as you can imagine, it takes a fair amount of time and resources for us to collate the book list as we need to do the necessary research and check in with our vendors accordingly. So do be kind!
Have we addressed your concerns? If not, please do write to us at: myimaginationkingdom@gmail.com
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Do you have a child who prefers to spend time on the smartphone or tablet to reading? Does he or she see reading as a chore and would never pick up a book during their leisure time?
“You become a lifelong reader when you’re able to make choices about the books you read, and when you love the books you read,”
Multiple different pieces of research and surveys have shown that one of the surefire ways to change this is to start by allowing your child to pick the books they would like to read.
In a 2015 survey conducted by Scholastic, children who are allowed to read a book of their own choice are 3 times more likely to be a frequent reader. These are astounding numbers and shows the huge impact of allowing your child to browse and pick the books that they would like to read.
So if you hear your child drag their feet about having to read something, think about what might be the reason for this. Could it be that they're being forced to read something they do not enjoy reading in the first place?
With that in mind, the next time you're about to express disapproval for your child's choice of book from the library or the bookstore, remind yourself that allowing them to pick their own books makes it more likely that they'll read the book and enjoy the activity of reading itself.
And the most important thing is, the earlier you allow your child to browse and select a book they'd like to read, the better!
It has been an honour and a privilege serving you in our beautiful store these last 3 years. During this time, we have met many young readers and loving parents who have dropped by our store to meet local authors, attend our storytelling sessions or simply just to browse and purchase books from us.
A few weeks ago, One KM informed us that we would have to move out of the current unit we are occupying due to commercial developments on their side. We tried everything we could to work out an arrangement that would allow us to stay in our current unit. Sadly, this was not something that we managed to do.
We would like to thank everyone who has supported us in one way or another - recommending us to your friends and family, inviting us to participate in the events you organise and making a choice to purchase books from us rather than all the different available options out there!
While we take a short break to get things up and running in our new space, please continue to support us by sharing this piece of news with other parents or teachers that you know.
Our last day of operation in this existing unit will be the 25th June, Sunday. So do take the opportunity to visit us within the next 2 weeks before we bid farewell to this wonderful space!
And last but not least, like us on our Facebook page to keep yourself updated on what's happening. We will be announcing the new store location as well as the re-opening date via Facebook!
]]>Finally, after months of hard work, sweat and tears, we are pleased to invite you to join us on the 15th and 16th November for the store's official opening! Our store will be located at the newly opened One KM shopping mall which is just a few minutes' walk from the Paya Lebar MRT station (11 Tanjong Katong Road). Come find us at #03-43 between the hours of 10am to 10pm for a fun-filled 2 days of storytelling and books-galore for your children!
]]>Finally, after months of hard work, sweat and tears, we are pleased to invite you to join us on the 15th and 16th November for the store's official opening! Our store will be located at the newly opened One KM shopping mall which is just a few minutes' walk from the Paya Lebar MRT station (11 Tanjong Katong Road). Come find us at #03-43 between the hours of 10am to 10pm for a fun-filled 2 days of storytelling and books-galore for your children!
There will be over 2,000 titles in the store from authors like Eric Carle, Karen Katz, Sandra Boynton, Leo Lionni, Mem Fox, Julia Donaldson, Dr Seuss, Roald Dahl, William Joyce, Suzanne Collins, J K Rowling and many, many more!
We will also have a full-fledged collection for parents with over 300 titles from a diverse range of topics like learning and development, communication, homeschooling and reading aloud.
So what are you waiting for? Tell your friends and family about it, bring the kids down and we look forward to meeting you!
Here are the details again:
15th & 16th November, 10am to 10pm
One KM
11 Tanjong Katong Road, #03-43
Singapore 437157
We are very excited to announce that My Imagination Kingdom will be opening our very first bookstore 3 months from now! The store will be located at a new mall in the Paya Lebar area - OneKM and we hope you will visit us when the time comes.
With the opening of the store, we are now actively searching for people passionate about children's books and reading to form the core part of our retail team.
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We are very excited to announce that My Imagination Kingdom will be opening our very first bookstore 3 months from now! The store will be located at a new mall in the Paya Lebar area - OneKM and we hope you will visit us when the time comes.
With the opening of the store, we are now actively searching for people passionate about children's books and reading to form the core part of our retail team. The positions we are recruiting for include:
He or she will be the overall champion of the store environment. It is our goal to create a magical environment for children and parents to shop and be in and as the store manager, your key duty is to make sure that we can achieve that.
As the leader of our retail team, you will also have to motivate and drive employees to nurture a love of reading in our little customers and to give our big customers (parents) the confidence they need to read aloud to their children.
Not to forget, you will also be the knowledge resource that parents and children can turn to when it comes to asking for book recommendations.
Naturally, you will need to be skilled and experienced in handling all the following tasks:
And here's the list of pre-requisites that you should meet:
If you think you meet all the requirements above, we would like to hear from you! Send us your resume at myimaginationkingdom@gmail.com and we will get back to you with an interview date if you are shortlisted!
As a full-time retail associate, you will be expected to work closely with the store manager on all duties relevant to creating a magical environment for children and parents to shop and be in.
You should have some prior experience with the following tasks:
And here's the list of pre-requisites that you should meet:
If you think you meet all of the requirements above, we would like to hear from you! Send us your resume or drop us an email at myimaginationkingdom@gmail.com and we will get back to you with an interview date if you are shortlisted!
If you love reading and working with children, we want you! No prior experience is required for this position. But you must be comfortable with the following requirements:
If you think you meet all the requirements above, we want to hear from you! Drop us an email at myimaginationkingdom@gmail.com and we will get back to you with an interview date if you are shortlisted!
]]>Remember the book we shared on 3D printing a while ago on our Facebook page? Well, "Leo The Maker Prince" is in-store now! Limited copies available, so don't miss yours.
In addition, we have some exciting new additions for parents and teachers as well as the latest Caldecott Honor book, "Journey" by Aaron Becker. Read on to find out more.
]]>Remember the book we shared on 3D printing a while ago on our Facebook page? Well, "Leo The Maker Prince" is in-store now! Limited copies available, so don't miss yours.
In addition, we have some exciting new additions for parents and teachers as well as the latest Caldecott Honor book, "Journey" by Aaron Becker. Read on to find out more.
Giraffes Can't Dance is a touching tale of Gerald the giraffe, who wants nothing more than to dance. With crooked knees and thin legs, it's harder for a giraffe than you would think. Gerald is finally able to dance to his own tune when he gets some encouraging words from an unlikely friend.
With light-footed rhymes and high-stepping illustrations, this tale is gentle inspiration for every child with dreams of greatness.
2. Open Very Carefully: A Book with Bite by Nick Bromley (Hardback)
What would you do if you were settling down for a quiet bedtime story and you realized that a crocodile had fallen into your storybook and was — not to put too fine a point on it — wreaking havoc? Would you slam that book shut and cram it back onto the bookshelf? Or would you be brave enough to peek?
The Tuckers' farm is a peaceful place: cows chew their cud, hens lay their eggs, and the old hound rests on the porch. Everyone has a job and no one complains. That is, until a hapless peacock suddenly falls off the back of a passing truck and stirs things up.
Soon, customers are flocking to the farm to see what all the fuss is about, and business is booming. But the hens don't like the newcomer getting attention while they stay cooped up doing all the hard work. The wise old hound sees the problem and helps his feathered friends orchestrate a job swap. What follows is the hilarious tale of three hens who get in way over their feathered heads, and one very distressed peacock who just can't figure out how to lay an egg.
While the other field mice work to gather grain and nuts for winter, Frederick sits on a sunny rock by himself. “I gather sun rays for the cold dark winter days,” he tells them. Another day he gathers “colors,” and then “words.” And when the food runs out, it is Frederick, the dreamer and poet, whose endless store of supplies warms the hearts of his fellow mice, and feeds their spirits during the darkest winter days. Frederick’s story will warm readers as well in this Caldecott Honor winning fable.
Follow a girl on an elaborate flight of fancy in a wondrously illustrated, wordless picture book about self-determination — and unexpected friendship.
A lonely girl draws a magic door on her bedroom wall and through it escapes into a world where wonder, adventure, and danger abound. Red marker in hand, she creates a boat, a balloon, and a flying carpet that carry her on a spectacular journey toward an uncertain destiny. When she is captured by a sinister emperor, only an act of tremendous courage and kindness can set her free. Can it also lead her home and to her heart’s desire? With supple line, luminous color, and nimble flights of fancy, author-illustrator Aaron Becker launches an ordinary child on an extraordinary journey toward her greatest and most exciting adventure of all.
LEO the Maker Prince teaches children (both young and old) about 3D printing by following Carla and LEO's journey through Brooklyn. LEO is a walking, talking robot who has the magical ability to to print (in plastic) any object that Carla draws. The other robots have their own special capabilities: H1-H0 prints in metal, Sinclair-10 can find and print objects from a huge catalog of designs, and the others (including AL1C3-D, IRIS-7, and NiXie) have unique talents, too. Readers can come along for the journey, too: all of the objects in the book are printable one way or another.
Found running wild in the forest of Ashton Place, the Incorrigibles are no ordinary children: Alexander, age ten or thereabouts, keeps his siblings in line with gentle nips; Cassiopeia, perhaps four or five, has a bark that is (usually) worse than her bite; and Beowulf, age somewhere-in-the-middle, is alarmingly adept at chasing squirrels.
Luckily, Miss Penelope Lumley is no ordinary governess. Only fifteen years old and a recent graduate of the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females, Penelope embraces the challenge of her new position. Though she is eager to instruct the children in Latin verbs and the proper use of globes, first she must help them overcome their canine tendencies.
But mysteries abound at Ashton Place: Who are these three wild creatures, and how did they come to live in the vast forests of the estate? Why does Old Timothy, the coachman, lurk around every corner? Will Penelope be able to teach the Incorrigibles table manners and socially useful phrases in time for Lady Constance's holiday ball? And what on earth is a schottische?
Found running wild in the forest of Ashton Place, the Incorrigibles are no ordinary children: Alexander, age ten or thereabouts, keeps his siblings in line with gentle nips; Cassiopeia, perhaps four or five, has a bark that is (usually) worse than her bite; and Beowulf, age somewhere-in-the-middle, is alarmingly adept at chasing squirrels.
Luckily, Miss Penelope Lumley is no ordinary governess. Only fifteen years old and a recent graduate of the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females, Penelope embraces the challenge of her new position. Though she is eager to instruct the children in Latin verbs and the proper use of globes, first she must help them overcome their canine tendencies.
Of especially naughty children it is sometimes said, "They must have been raised by wolves."
The Incorrigible children actually were.
Since returning from London, the three Incorrigible children and their plucky governess, Miss Penelope Lumley, have been exceedingly busy. Despite their wolfish upbringing, the children have taken up bird-watching, with no unfortunate consequences—yet. And a perplexing gift raises hard questions about how Penelope came to be left at the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females and why her parents never bothered to return for her.
But hers is not the only family mystery to solve. When Lord Fredrick's long-absent mother arrives with the noted explorer Admiral Faucet, gruesome secrets tumble out of the Ashton family tree. And when the admiral's prized racing ostrich gets loose in the forest, it will take all the Incorrigibles' skills to find her.
The hunt for the runaway ostrich is on. But Penelope is worried. Once back in the wild, will the children forget about books and poetry and go back to their howling, wolfish ways? What if they never want to come back to Ashton Place at all?
“Drop the flashcards—grit, character, and curiosity matter even more than cognitive skills. A persuasive wake-up call.”—People
Why do some children succeed while others fail? The story we usually tell about childhood and success is the one about intelligence: success comes to those who score highest on tests, from preschool admissions to SATs. But in How Children Succeed, Paul Tough argues that the qualities that matter more have to do with character: skills like perseverance, curiosity, optimism, and self-control.
How Children Succeed introduces us to a new generation of researchers and educators, who, for the first time, are using the tools of science to peel back the mysteries of character. Through their stories—and the stories of the children they are trying to help—Tough reveals how this new knowledge can transform young people’s lives. He uncovers the surprising ways in which parents do—and do not—prepare their children for adulthood. And he provides us with new insights into how to improve the lives of children growing up in poverty. This provocative and profoundly hopeful book will not only inspire and engage readers, it will also change our understanding of childhood itself.
“Illuminates the extremes of American childhood: for rich kids, a safety net drawn so tight it’s a harness; for poor kids, almost nothing to break their fall.”—New York Times
“I learned so much reading this book and I came away full of hope about how we can make life better for all kinds of kids.”—Slate
2. Reading with Babies, Toddlers and Twos by KJ Dell'Antonia and Susan Straub (Paperback)
It's never too early—or too late—to start sharing books with your baby!
Reading is one of the first activities you can enjoy with your child, and Reading with Babies, Toddlers, and Twos gets you started by answering questions such as:
•Which books will a newborn baby enjoy?
•What do you buy after you've read Goodnight Moon?
•Are eBooks and apps appropriate for young children?
•Can I make up a story to tell my child?
•What are the best collections of fairy tales, fables, and other classic stories?
Straub, Dell'Antonia, and Payne use their decades of experience as parents, book reviewers, and children's librarians to bring you the very best in children's books, so you'll never run out of ideas for reading with your baby.
"An accessible and enjoyable guide...with book is a 'go-to' resource."—Traci Lester, executive director, Reach Out and Read of Greater New York
At the start of the year, we launched our Parents & Children Reading Survey 2014. The intent was to help us track the reading behaviour of a typical Singaporean parent and their child/children so you can use that as a personal benchmark for your family as well.
At the start of the year, we launched our Parents & Children Reading Survey 2014. The intent was to help us track the reading behaviour of a typical Singaporean parent and their child/children so you can use that as a personal benchmark for your family as well.
And thanks to the support of all 201 of you, the results of the survey are out!
(For a detailed visualisation of the findings, check out the infographic we have created by scrolling to the bottom of this page)
But first, here's a quick summary:
And boy are we glad to hear that! As we mentioned in this earlier blog post of ours, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends reading aloud daily to your baby starting at 6 months of age - about the time when he'll really begin to enjoy looking at books with you. On the other hand, Jim Trelease, longtime read-aloud expert and author of the Read Aloud Handbook, says that you can start when your child's a newborn. All that means is, the earlier you start reading aloud to your child, the better it is.
While we do know the penetration of mobile devices in Singaporean families is high, this is probably the first piece of real evidence that ownership of mobile devices has translated into changes in children's reading behaviour as well. Even though we understand that families will not shun away from mobile devices any time soon, it might be worthwhile equipping yourself with the necessary information about the pros and cons of e-reading.
In this post we did in 2012, we talked about 2 studies that explored the differences between reading an e-book and a print book. While the results are preliminary at best, it is interesting to note that reading a print book does seem to help children retain information a lot better than an ebook, which could distract children from the reading experience itself. Of course, if your child does not enjoy reading in the first place, ebooks could be a great way to get them started. Children do seem to respond better to the interactive experience offered by touchscreen devices so as a parent, you will have to practise your good judgment to decide when your child should be given an ebook and when they should be exposed to a print book.
Celebrated children's author, Mem Fox, says that when children spend 15 minutes each day reading or being read to, it will help them become excellent readers, writers and thinkers.
But with the hectic lives that we lead today, we know how difficult and challenging it can be to make the time and commitment to read aloud to your child every day. Check out our interviews with mummy bloggers, Alicia and Winnie to find out how they do it.
Many of you might wonder, why is there a need for a child to own so many books? After all, they could always visit the library for them. In this post we did some time back, a University of Nevada study found that growing up in a home with 500 books would propel a child 3.2 years further in education, on average than would growing up in a similar home with few, or no books.
So the next question would be, are parents replacing a child's home library with actual visits to the public library?
In fact, a good 36% of parents rarely or never bring their children to the library. And that is indeed a worrying fact. At My Imagination Kingdom, we view the public library as a very important part of a child's reading ecosystem. After all, there's no other institution that provides better access to books than the public library. Do you fall under this segment of parents? If so, we want to hear why. Share with us your thoughts by leaving a comment at the bottom of this page.
And that's the summary of the top findings we have for you. For a detailed visualisation of the rest of the findings, check out the infographic we have created!
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A fun and lively game for young children, introducing them to the vivid imaginary world at their fingertips. This inventive book involves a couple of fingers (real, courtesy of parents while you read the book) and a whole lot of fun. Draw a smiley face on each finger and poke it through the holes in the book and you're ready for a rollicking time with your little one!
A New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book of 2011!
A picture-book delight by a rising talent tells a cumulative tale with a mischievous twist.
The bear's hat is gone, and he wants it back. Patiently and politely, he asks the animals he comes across, one by one, whether they have seen it. Each animal says no, some more elaborately than others. But just as the bear begins to despond, a deer comes by and asks a simple question that sparks the bear's memory and renews his search with a vengeance. Told completely in dialogue, this delicious take on the classic repetitive tale plays out in sly illustrations laced with visual humor-- and winks at the reader with a wry irreverence that will have kids of all ages thrilled to be in on the joke.
Like many children, Henry loves books. But Henry doesn’t like to read books, he likes to eat them. Big books, picture books, reference books . . . if it has pages, Henry chews them up and swallows (but red ones are his favorite). And the more he eats, the smarter he gets—he’s on his way to being the smartest boy in the world! But one day he feels sick to his stomach. And the information is so jumbled up inside, he can’t digest it! Can Henry find a way to enjoy books without using his teeth?
With a stunning new artistic style and a die-cut surprise, Oliver Jeffers celebrates the joys of reading in this charming and quirky picture book. It’s almost good enough to eat.
A celebration of life in a day.
A composite of global cultures, Walk this World celebrates the everyday similarities and differences that exist between cultures around the world. Travel to a new country with every turn of the page, each with new surprises to discover: peek through windows, open doors, and delve underground by opening the many flaps on every spread.
There'd been a terrible mistake. Wayside School was supposed to be built with thirty classrooms one on top of the other...thirty stories tall! (The builder said he was very sorry.)
That may be why all kinds of funny things happen at Wayside SChool...especially on the thirteenth floor. You'll meet Mrs. Gorf, the meanest teacher of all, terrible Todd, who always gets sent home early, and John who can read only upside down--along with all the other kids in the crazy mix-up school that came out sideways. But you'll never guess the truth about Sammy, the new kid...or what's in store for Wayside School on Halloween!
There was a terrible mistake-Wayside School was built with one classroom on top of another, thirty stories high! (The builder said he was sorry.) Maybe that's why all kinds of funny things happened at Wayside-especially on the thirteenth floor.
2. When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead (Paperback) Winner of 2010 Newbery Medal
This remarkable novel holds a fantastic puzzle at its heart.
By sixth grade, Miranda and her best friend, Sal, know how to navigate their New York City neighborhood. They know where it's safe to go, and they know who to avoid. Like the crazy guy on the corner.
But things start to unravel. Sal gets punched by a kid on the street for what seems like no reason, and he shuts Miranda out of his life. The apartment key that Miranda's mom keeps hidden for emergencies is stolen. And then a mysterious note arrives, scrawled on a tiny slip of paper. The notes keep coming, and Miranda slowly realizes that whoever is leaving them knows things no one should know. Each message brings her closer to believing that only she can prevent a tragic death. Until the final note makes her think she's too late.
Donalyn Miller says she has yet to meet a child she couldn't turn into a reader. No matter how far behind Miller's students might be when they reach her 6th grade classroom, they end up reading an average of 40 to 50 books a year. Miller's unconventional approach dispenses with drills and worksheets that make reading a chore. Instead, she helps students navigate the world of literature and gives them time to read books they pick out themselves. Her love of books and teaching is both infectious and inspiring. The book includes a dynamite list of recommended "kid lit" that helps parents and teachers find the books that students really like to read.
2. Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons by Siegfried Engelmann (Paperback)
Is your child halfway through first grade and still unable to read? Is your preschooler bored with coloring and ready for reading? Do you want to help your child read, but are afraid you'll do something wrong?
SRAs DISTAR® is the most successful beginning reading program available to schools across the country. Research has proven that children taught by the DISTAR® method outperform their peers who receive instruction from other programs. Now for the first time, this program has been adapted for parent and child to use at home. Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons is a complete, step-by-step program that shows patents simply and clearly how to teach their children to read.
Twenty minutes a day is all you need, and within 100 teaching days your child will be reading on a solid second-grade reading level. It's a sensible, easy-to-follow, and enjoyable way to help your child gain the essential skills of reading. Everything you need is here -- no paste, no scissors, no flash cards, no complicated directions -- just you and your child learning together. One hundred lessons, fully illustrated and color-coded for clarity, give your child the basic and more advanced skills needed to become a good reader.
Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons will bring you and your child closer together, while giving your child the reading skills needed now, for a better chance at tomorrow.
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We have been preparing for this during the last 2 months and we are very excited to announce the launch of our very first survey on families' reading habits!
It has always been our desire to help more parents read aloud to their children more frequently and to help us track the results of these efforts, we will be conducting this survey on an annual basis to monitor that. The results of the survey will give us useful benchmarks and indicators about the reading behaviour of a typical Singaporean parent and their child/children so you can use that as a personal benchmark for your family as well.
]]>We have been preparing for this during the last 2 months and we are very excited to announce the launch of our very first survey on families' reading habits!
It has always been our desire to help more parents read aloud to their children more frequently and to help us track the results of these efforts, we will be conducting this survey on an annual basis to monitor that. The results of the survey will give us useful benchmarks and indicators about the reading behaviour of a typical Singaporean parent and their child/children so you can use that as a personal benchmark for your family as well.
Naturally, to achieve all this, we will need the help of each and every one of you! For every parent that completes the survey, we will have one more useful data point to understand the reading habits of Singaporean families.
As an appreciation of your time and effort, one lucky survey respondent will be chosen randomly to win $100 worth of book vouchers from My Imagination Kingdom! And for every single one of you who has given us your time and attention in completing the survey, you will be entitled to a special discount of 15% storewide for your purchases between now and the 28th February 2014.
So what are you waiting for? Click on this link now to complete this short, 5-minute survey!
]]>Hohoho! Christmas is coming and we have just the perfect books for your little ones' presents! From the beautiful illustrations of William Joyce to the charming tales about Santa, happy shopping!
But first, let's start with a couple of new additions to our selection of books for parents and teachers...
Read more here.
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But first, let's start with a couple of new additions to our selection of books for parents and teachers...
1. Who Will Guide My Sleigh Tonight? by Jerry Pallotta (Paperback)
Bestselling author Jerry Pallotta reveals how and why Santa Claus selected the perfect animals--reindeer--to pull his sleigh on Christmas Eve.
Santa Claus has a big job to do on Christmas Eve, and he needs a team to help with the sleigh. He tries out a myriad of thirteen different kinds of animals, including tigers (but they almost eat him), mice (too weak), kangaroos (too jumpy), turtles (too slow), cheetahs (too fast), rhinos (too rough), and even monkeys
(too playful). But what about... reindeer? Perfect!
This humorous peek behind the scenes at the North Pole is told in Jerry Pallotta's kid-friendly style and beautifully illustrated in glorious color by David Biedrzycki.
Have you ever wondered what Santa did before he was Santa?
When Santa was young and needed a job, no one was looking for a man in a red suit to deliver gifts on Christmas. So Santa tried just about everything -- from a chimney sweep to a postman to a circus performer. But none of these worked out. It wasn't until he met a group of elves who helped him use all his special talents, that Santa was able to find his dream job.
2. The Night Before The Night Before Christmas by Natasha Wing (Paperback)
It's December 23, and Christmas is just around the corner. But one family is having trouble getting its act together. Once again, Natasha Wing follows the rhythms and meter of Clement Moore's classic Christmas poem, yet gives it her own entirely original twist.
3. The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore (Paperback)
Here is the classic and beloved story written by Clement Clarke Moore. It is illustrated with beautiful, traditional watercolours by artist Donald Mills.
Lilly loves everything about school, especially her cool teacher, Mr. Slinger. But when Lilly brings her purple plastic purse and its treasures to school and can't wait until sharing time, Mr. Slinger confiscates her prized possessions. Lilly's fury leads to revenge and then to remorse and she sets out to make amends.
Lilly, the star of Chester's Way and Julius, the Baby of the World, is back. And this time she has her name in the title - something she's wanted all along. If you thought Lilly was funny before, you are in for a treat. So hurry up and start reading. Lilly can't wait for you to find out more about her.
The book that inspired the Academy Award–winning short film, from New York Times bestselling author and beloved visionary William Joyce.
Morris Lessmore loved words.
He loved stories.
He loved books.
But every story has its upsets.
Everything in Morris Lessmore’s life, including his own story, is scattered to the winds.
But the power of story will save the day.
Stunningly brought to life by William Joyce, one of the preeminent creators in children’s literature, The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore is a modern masterpiece, showing that in today’s world of traditional books, eBooks, and apps, it’s story that we truly celebrate—and this story, no matter how you tell it, begs to be read again and again.
In 1897, eight-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon wrote the New York Sun to ask a simple question: Is there a Santa Claus? The editor's response was a stirring defense of hope, generosity, and the spirit of childhood. His essay has been reprinted countless times since, and the phrase "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus" has become part of American Christmas lore.
Based on these actual events, Yes, Virginia is the story of a little girl who taught a city to believe.
1. The Man In The Moon (The Guardians of Childhood) by William Joyce (Hardback)
Up there in the sky.
Don’t you see him?
No, not the moon.
The Man in the Moon.
He wasn’t always a man.
Nor was he always on the moon.
He was once a child.
Like you.
Until a battle,
a shooting star,
and a lost balloon
sent him on a quest.
Meet the very first guardian of childhood.
MiM, the Man in the Moon.
The second picture book in Academy Award winner William Joyce’s The Guardians of Childhood series, The Sandman tells the true story of the keeper of dreams.
One foggy night, the Man in the Moon has a startling thought: When the moon is less than full and bright, who will keep children safe at night? He needs a backup plan! Or a backup Guardian, as it were. His keen eye falls upon a sleepy little fellow living on a sleepy little island who is a sweet-dreamer extraordinaire. Since good dreams always trump bad ones, this means Pitch, the Nightmare King, will be further thwarted in his nefarious quest to terrorize children. Indeed, Sanderson Mansnoozie seems the perfect choice. But there are two problems. Firstly, given that Sandy has never had a bad dream, how can MiM convince him how important this new role is to the happy-being of children everywhere? And secondly, how can MiM keep this snoozy ally awake long enough to help?
This follow-up to the New York Times bestselling The Man in the Moon, called “dazzlingly inventive” by Publishers Weekly, introduces us to the sleepy little fellow to whom we all owe many a good nights’ rest, the second Guardian of Childhood, the Sandman.
It's the school holidays! Time for some great reading fun without the need to worry about homework or exams!
When Elephant trod on Tricky Tortoise for the 332nd time, Tortoise devised a cunning plan to teach Elephant a lesson. This is the story of how Tricky Tortoise proves that brains are often better than strength or size.
A lazy and demanding lion orders the animals of his kingdom to build him a house before the Big Rain comes. This is the story of how Lazy Lion found his home on the great African plain.
3. Crafty Chameleon by Mwenye Hadithi (Paperback)
This is the story of why Crafty Chameleon changes color and hides when he hears you coming. Tormented every morning by leopard and bullied by crocodile, the clever little chameleon decides to play a trick on them. He manages to get the better of his two oppressors without them even knowing how he did it!
4. Cross Crocodile by Mwenye Hadithi (Paperback)
Long ago on the Great African Plains, it was so dry before the rain came that all the animals were hot, and thirsty, and hungry. All, that is, except Cross Crocodile. This is the story of how Monkey tricked Crocodile into sharing his food with the other animals.
5. Richard Scarry's What Do People Do All Day? by Richard Scarry (Hardback)
An illustrated panorama of the animals of Busytown at work, describing the occupations and activities of many of her citizens through detailed drawings with labels indicating processes and equipment used as they perform their jobs.
1. Mr William Shakespeare's Plays by Marcia Williams (Paperback)
Take your place in the Globe Theatre of Shakespeare's day to see seven of his best-loved plays in performance. Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Macbeth, Julius Caesar, The Winter's Tale and The Tempest are all brought vividly to life in Marcia Williams' gloriously accessible comic-strip versions, which include the bard's own dialogue and the rowdy remarks of the audience.
2. King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table by Marcia Williams (Paperback)
Aided by the magician Merlin, Arthur draws the sword from the stone to become King of Britain, and Lord of the Knights of the Round Table. Read of their valiant deeds as King Arthur, Sir Lancelot, Sir Galahad and other heroic knights rescue maidens, defend Excalibur and search for the Grail.
3.The Adventures of Robin Hood by Marcia Williams (Paperback)
Told in lively comic-strip style, this book relates eleven colourful action-packed tales about Robin and his merry men. Read how Robin becomes an outlaw, gets a ducking from Little John and encounters a disguised Maid Marian in the forest; enjoy the stories of Much the Miller's Son, Friar Tuck, Allan-a-Dale, Sir Richard of Leigh and the golden arrow. Meet Robin's sworn enemy Sir Guy of Gisborne, witness his visit from King Richard and see Robin fire his final arrow.
Following up on the launch of our new section for parents, here's a round-up of the latest arrivals at My Imagination Kingdom!
If you have been looking for children's books that help to introduce your little ones to musical instruments or to music in general, you're in luck! This month's collection of books include Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin as well as The Philharmonic Gets Dressed. Both books will be a delightful addition to your child's library and is guaranteed to get their curiosity piqued about musical instruments!
Read more here.
If you have been looking for children's books that help to introduce your little ones to musical instruments or to music in general, you're in luck! This month's collection of books include Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin as well as The Philharmonic Gets Dressed. Both books will be a delightful addition to your child's library and is guaranteed to get their curiosity piqued about musical instruments!
A box is just a box . . . unless it's not a box. From mountain to rocket ship, a small rabbit shows that a box will go as far as the imagination allows.
Inspired by a memory of sitting in a box on her driveway with her sister, Antoinette Portis captures the thrill when pretend feels so real that it actually becomes real—when the imagination takes over and inside a cardboard box, a child is transported to a world where anything is possible.
With mournful moan and silken tone,
itself alone comes ONE TROMBONE...
Then a trumpet joins in to become a duet; add a French horn and voila! you have a trio -- and on it goes until an entire orchestra is assembled on stage. Lloyd Moss's iresistible rhymes and Marjorie Pricemans's energetic illustrations make beautiful music together -- a masterpiece that is the perfect introduction to musical instruments and musical groups, and a counting book that redefines the genre.
An attempt to help children conceptualize the immensity of numbers is aided immeasurably by the artist's jovial, detailed, whimsical illustrations. Marvelosissimo the Mathematical Magician demonstrates the meaning of a million by showing his four young friends (plus two cats, a dog, and a unicorn) that it would take twenty-three days to even count to a million and that a goldfish bowl large enough to hold a million goldfish could hold a whale. Seven pages are printed with tiny white stars on a grid pattern against a blue sky -- adding up to only one hundred thousand stars! And after that, a billion and a trillion are discussed, all with equally or even more outstanding examples; a trillion children standing on each other's shoulders would almost reach to the rings of Saturn. The author concludes with several pages of the mathematical calculations which support his examples, very clearly and humorously explained. An unusual idea, smoothly and amusingly presented.
Caps for Sale is a timeless classic, in print for over fifty years, and beloved by generations of readers. This easy-to-read story about a peddler and a band of mischievous monkeys is filled with warmth, humor, and simplicity. Children will delight in following the peddlers efforts to outwit the monkeys in this new, enlarged, and redesigned edition, and will ask to read it again and again.
While chasing a dumpling, a little lady is captured by wicked creatures from whom she escapes with the means of becoming the richest woman in Japan.
"It is almost Friday night. Outside, the dark is getting darker," and here and there around the city ninety-two men and thirteen women are getting dressed to go to work. First they bathe and put on their underwear. Then they don special black-and-white apparel. Then when the one hundred and five people are completely ready, each takes a musical instrument and travels to midtown. There, at 8:30 tonight, they will work together: playing.
In these pages Karla Kuskin and Marc Simont combine their talents to give us a delightful and unusual inside view of one way an orchestra prepares.
Since Half Magic first hit bookshelves in 1954, Edward Eager’s tales of magic have become beloved classics. Now four cherished stories by Edward Eager about vacationing cousins who stumble into magical doings and whimsical adventures are available in updated hardcover and paperback formats. The original lively illustrations by N. M. Bodecker have been retained, but eye-catching new cover art by Kate Greenaway Medalist Quentin Blake gives these classics a fresh, contemporary look for a whole new generation.
Shortly after a breakfast generously supplied with pancakes, Natethe Great got an urgent call from Annie.
"I lost a picture," said Annie. "Can you help me find it?"
"Of course," said Nate. "I have found lost balloons, books, slippers, chickens. Even a lost goldfish. Now I, Nate the Great, will find a lost picture."
"Oh, good," Annie said.
Nate, with the cool detachment of a Sam Spade, immediately plunges into his new and baffling case. Getting all the facts, asking the right questions, narrowing down the suspects. Nate, the boy detective who "likes to work alone," solves the mystery and tracks down the culprit. In the process he also discovers the whereabouts of Super Hex, the missing cat.
The first time Melanie Ross meets April Hall, she’s not sure they have anything in common. But she soon discovers that they both love anything to do with ancient Egypt. When they stumble upon a deserted storage yard, Melanie and April decide it’s the perfect spot for the Egypt Game. Before long there are six Egyptians, and they all meet to wear costumes, hold ceremonies, and work on their secret code. Everyone thinks it’s just a game until strange things start happening. Has the Egypt Game gone too far?
We have been out of action for a while but we're back and better than before! In the next few months, we will be making a whole new slew of additions to My Imagination Kingdom. To start us off, here's our newly-created section specially dedicated to curating books that will help parents cultivate a reading habit with children.
Read more here.
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Here's a look at the books we've collected in this section:
1. 100 Best Books For Children by Anita Silvey (Paperback)
From classics to new favorites, 100 Best Books for Children “points parents in the right direction [to] 100 titles no child should miss” (Booklist). With thirty-five years of experience at the heart of children’s publishing, Anita Silvey is better equipped than anyone to help parents make the right reading choices, given the enormous range of children’s books available today. From board books to titles for older readers, Silvey narrows the field to 100 “best books,” organizing them by age and providing essays on plot summary, along with fascinating insights into the story behind the story that only an insider would know.
Essential and inspiring, 100 Best Books for Children is a perfect handbook for parents who want to help their child develop a passion for reading that will last a lifetime.
2. Baby Read-Aloud Basics by Caroline J. Blackmore (Paperback)
Decades of research have proven the value of reading aloud to children, and the years between birth and age two are arguably the most crucial for language development. As a parent, it's important that you help your baby acquire the foundation they need to speak earlier, read on their own sooner, and benefit from an increased vocabulary and attention span. "Baby Read-Aloud Basics" shows you how to establish an effective daily read-aloud routine to take charge of your baby's future understanding and success.
Organized around the six stages of early language development from birth to age two, the book provides simple but effective techniques to help you: make reading aloud an interactive experience - from intonation and speech patterns to gesture; select what to read aloud by looking at how much the text of the book repeats, whether it rhymes, and the types of interactive elements it incorporates; know when to read and how often in order to create a reading routine that's both enjoyable and effective; ensure your baby gets the right amount of language from a nanny or a caretaker; and effectively incorporate reading in a bilingual home. Filled with step-by-step instructions, scripted demonstrations, and a list of recommended titles, "Baby Read-Aloud Basics" gives you all the guidance and information you need to instill a lifelong love of reading and learning, and start your baby along on the road to success."
3. How To Get Your Child To Love Reading by Esme Raji Codell (Paperback)
Are children reading enough? Not according to most parents and teachers, who know that reading aloud with children fosters a lifelong love of books, ensures better standardized test scores, promotes greater success in school, and helps instill the values we most want to pass on.
Esmé Raji Codell--an inspiring children's literature specialist and an energetic teacher--has the solution. She's turned her years of experience with children, parents, librarians, and fellow educators into a great big indispensable volume designed to help parents get their kids excited about reading.
Here are hundreds of easy and inventive ideas, innovative projects, creative activities, and inspiring suggestions that have been shared, tried, and proven with children from birth through eighth grade.
This five-hundred-page volume is brimming with themes for superlative storytimes and book-based birthday parties, ideas for mad-scientist experiments and half-pint cooking adventures, stories for reluctant readers and book groups for boys, step-by-step instructions for book parades, book-related crafts, storytelling festivals, literature-based radio broadcasts, readers' theater, and more. There are book lists galore, with subject-driven reading recommendations for science, math, cooking, nature, adventure, music, weather, gardening, sports, mythology, poetry, history, biography, fiction, and fairy tales. Codell's creative thinking and infectious enthusiasm will empower even the busiest parents and children to include literature in their lives.
4. Reading Magic by Mem Fox (Paperback)
Best-selling children's author and internationally respected literacy expert Mem Fox reveals the incredible emotional and intellectual impact reading aloud to children has on their ability to learn to read. With passion and humor, Fox speaks of when, where, and why to read aloud and demonstrates how to read aloud to best effect and get the most out of a read-aloud session. She discusses the three secrets of reading, offers guidance on defining and choosing good books, and—for this new edition—includes two new chapters on boy readers and phonics, a foreword, and a list of "Twenty Books That Children Love." Filled with practical advice, activities, and inspiring true read-aloud miracles, this book is a turn-to classic for educators and parents.
5. The New York Times Parent's Guide to the Best Books For Children by Eden Ross Lipson (Paperback)
The Classic Guide That Helps You Select the Books the Child You Know Will Love
In this third, fully revised and updated edition of The New York Times Parent's Guide to the Best Books for Children, the children's book editor of The New York Times Book Reviewpersonally selects and recommends books for children of every age.
The most comprehensive and authoritative book of its kind has been completely updated for the new millennium. It contains hundreds of new entries, many expanded descriptions, and notations of additional companion and related titles -- more than l,700 in all. The best-loved classics of the twentieth century are included, as well as a thoughtful selection of outstanding titles from the last decade.
Six sections are organized according to reading level: Wordless, Picture, Story, Early Reading, Middle Reading, and Young Adult. In addition to a summary of the book, each entry provides the essential bibliographic information you need to find a book in your local library or bookstore, including
title
author and/or illustrator
hardcover and/or paperback publisher and publication year
major awards
related titles
The unique and most popular feature of the guide is its system of special indexes -- more than sixty in all. They make it easy for parents and grandparents, teachers and librarians, even children themselves, to match the right book to the right child. Browse through the indexes and find titles for every interest and mood: picture books about cats, mice, or dinosaurs for babies; funny books to read aloud to toddlers; series about family life or school or fantasy adventures for a middle-grade child; books on divorce or death; and coming-of-age novels just right for someone starting junior high school. There are also indexes for books about minorities and religion, an age-appropriate reading-level index, and much more.
Lavishly decorated with more than three hundred illustrations from representative titles, the guide also features extra-wide margins for notes on which of your children liked which book, at what age, and why. Thus the guide becomes a family reading record as well as an invaluable resource you'll use again and again.
6. The Read-Aloud Handbook: Sixth Edition by Jim Trelease (Paperback)
Dear Readers and My Imagination Kingdom Customers,
We are taking a break from the 3rd to the 13th August to recharge and rejuvenate ourselves in order to serve you better. All orders during this period of time will only be processed after the 13th August.
We thank you for your understanding and we look forward to meeting you again when we're back!
Have a wonderful National Holiday!
Regards,
My Imagination Kingdom
]]>In this unique and delightful picture book, the story literally unfolds as pages open dramatically, extending both outward and upward. Monica wants the moon to play with, so her Papa sets out to get it for her. It isn't easy to climb all the way up to the moon, but he finally succeeds -- only to find that the moon is too big to carry home! The way in which this problem is solved is a joyful surprise.
Here is a multi-faceted story that appeals to children visually, verbally and emotionally, and which also contains a first lesson in natural history, depicting the eternal cycle of the waxing and waning of the moon. The simple text, just right for reading aloud or for the beginning reader expresses perfectly the purity of a father's love for his child. Small readers will empathize with Monica"s longing for the moon, and will be reassured by her father's willingness to try to make her wish come true. And, on a deeper level, they will recognize that Papa is not merely fulfilling Monica's whim, but is demonstrating to her that even a seemingly unreachable goal can actually be attained. Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me is a book to be re-read many times, and to be treasured for its beauty and its positive message of love and inspiration.
With irresistible rhyming language and bright, whimsical illustrations, this perfect read-aloud by internationally acclaimed author Mem Fox will weave its way into the hearts of young children everywhere.
As promised in our last edition of ‘Reading Aloud With Mummy Bloggers’, today, we are extremely pleased to share with you our interview with Toddly Mummy!
Here’s a little self-introduction from our guest, Winnie
I'm a born-again drama-mama and creative extraordinaire. I've never considered myself to have much talent in those areas. However, I've learnt that motherhood makes you discover talents you've never expected yourself to have. I work full time and spend the evenings home learning and reading with my kids.
I blog at Toddly Mummy, where I share my thoughts on parenting, fun learning moments of our home learning sessions and our outdoor adventures. I sometimes share about our favourite food too.
I have a crazy love for red bean and I don't like coffee, chilli, chips or chocolate (??!!??). Coincidentally, all starting with the letter C. I love carrots though, and cucumber, and cake.
1. Tell us more about yourself and what you do.
I'm a full time working mum who used to be a journalist and public relations specialist. Now I'm an educator with a special interest in early childhood literacy. In the evenings, I'm on my second shift, when I home learn or read with my kids.
2. Tell us more about EV and AA!
EV is a bubbly chatterbox of three years old who loves her books, painting, blowing bubbles and doing crazy pretend play with mummy.
AA is a cheeky one year old explorer who is developing an early love for books, drawing and playing tricks on grown ups.
3. As a Jolly Phonics practitioner yourself and a mother who actively engages EV in home learning, how important do you think reading aloud to EV is in her development journey? How has it helped her?
I believe that reading aloud is part of a journey to developing a child’s appreciation of books and makes the stories come alive. Listening to stories being read aloud helps develop a child’s literacy, by increasing the kids' awareness of letter sounds (also known as phonemic awareness), rhythm and the way words sound. It also helps in print awareness, that is, understanding that the printed letters and words are representations of what is being spoken, and that pages are read from top to bottom, left to right.
As a strong believer in the importance of reading aloud in the development of literacy, I do pay attention to the way I read, making sure that I pronounce each word carefully and clearly. For example. I would make sure that I pronounce the 'th' in 'three', and when saying 'cat', I would sound the last sound 't' too, so that it does not end up as 'ca'.
Such strategies not only help a child’s reading skills, but also speaking skills. EV started reading independently (http://toddlymummy.blogspot.sg/2012/11/starting-on-road-to-literacy.html) when she was two, and by three, she was able to speak in full sentences and engage in simple conversations. At one and a half years old, AA has also begun to speak words, such as ‘apple’, ‘clock’ and ‘cat’.
4. When did you first start reading to EV? What was your experience like when you first started?
I personally love books, and i wanted to inculcate that love in my kids too. Since EV was six months old, both daddy and I have been reading aloud to her daily. Generally, daddy tends to focus on English books, while I read both English and Chinese books. It is a special bonding time for us as working parents, and we look forward to it every day. Every night, we would sit back, relax and enjoy a book. It could be a simple English tale about a busy spider, or Chinese nursery rhymes. Till today, EV still looks forward to this nightly story time, which has become a family affair.
Between daddy and mummy, mummy is the more dramatic one, often using different voice levels and tones when reading aloud. I adopt different ‘voices’ when reading the lines of different characters too. Combine that with some puppet play and the kids will be chuckling and giggling. Such acting out brings the stories alive for EV and AA, and I believe helped create a love for books.
5. Did you face any challenges in keeping EV engaged when you’re reading to her? What tips would you give our readers to help them become better at reading aloud to their children?
Thankfully, we have not faced much issues in keeping EV engaged when reading aloud to her, as it has become a must-do every night. Even AA is beginning to expect it every night before he sleeps. However, kids being kids, they do love exploring at this age, and there are times when they would be attracted by other things, or simply become bored with the books. What we do is to read to them in the same area every night, on a cosy mattress on our bedroom floor. It is familiar territory and minimizes the chances of them being distracted.
6. How would you advise our readers to go about using reading to improve their child’s literacy skills? Give us 3 things they can do.
Literacy is more than just reading. Being able to read does not mean that the child has the capability to understand the story. Having phonological awareness does not mean that the child can understand the word or even use it. To gain literacy skills, the child needs to be able to understand the word, be able to comprehend the plot and therefore the story, know that the story has a narrative structure from beginning to end, have print awareness and know that text goes from left to right, understand that different fonts on the cover indicate the title and author of the book, and be able to relate stories to their personal lives.
Visual literacy, or the ability to understand how visuals and images relate to the story, is equally important. More than just the text, the child needs to learn to ‘read’ the visual cues he sees in a book and understand them. For example, when we read the book Jonathan & Martha by Petr Horacek, the cover showed two worms eating from both sides of a pear. We did a short discussion of what we thought of that image, with questions like ‘whose names are Jonathan and Martha’ and ‘why are the worms on both sides of the pear’ and so on. This helps develop an understanding how visuals are related to a story.
Here are some fun ways to build literacy skills (http://toddlymummy.blogspot.sg/2012/11/starting-on-road-to-literacy.html).
- tell the story by describing the pictures, rather than read word for word. In this way, the child can see that a story can be told in many ways. Ask questions like ‘what do you think happens next’ to prompt the child’s thoughts and develop visual literacy.
- create crafts related to the story. Some crafts we did include a duck paper craft inspired by Eric Carle's The Ten Ducklings (http://toddlymummy.blogspot.sg/2012/03/craft-fun-10-little-rubber-ducks-paper.html).
- make it relevant to the real world. For example, stand in front of a tree and describe the different parts of it. We did that after reading The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. We also went in search of shapes in nature, after reading The Perfect Square by Michael Hall.
Having reading skills is important, but even more precious is understanding the story and loving it, loving books. Most importantly though, is that parents have to demonstrate a love for books too with a reading habit that kids can model after.
7. How do you go about picking books for EV? Are there any resources or places you go to on the web for recommendations or reviews?
I generally choose beautifully illustrated books with simple storylines, rhymes and vocabulary. Some of the authors we like include Eric Carle, Julia Donaldson and Leo Lionni. Where possible, we also read the Chinese versions of these pleasurable tales. The National Library is a great source for such books.
8. Since you do home learning for EV, do you try to pick books for EV that fit into your teaching curriculum for her? If so, can you list some examples of how you have done that?
I like to pick books that fit into our home learning curriculum where possible. For example, in November last year, we read books that started with the letters P, Q, R, S and T (http://toddlymummy.blogspot.sg/2012/11/fun-with-p-q-r-s-t.html), as we went through the alphabets. When we headed to Hong Kong in December, we also did a tot book about the Chinese city.
9. What inspired you to start the “My Favourite Children’s Author” series on your blog?
I started this series because I believe that parents have their favourite authors that they love to share with their children. At the same time, they can also share related fun activities that they have done as an extension of the authors’ books.
10. Finally, despite all the efforts and time that is needed to make reading to EV and AA a regular activity, we know it must be a rewarding experience for you nevertheless. What do you enjoy most about reading to EV and AA?
I am very happy that EV, as well as AA, enjoy our reading and home learning sessions. The bonding that we have during these times is simply heartwarming and beautiful, and it is really wonderful to watch EV learn. Often times, things may not go according to what I planned. However, I look forward to seeing the bright spark in her eyes when she has that ‘aha!’ moment, or her delightful laughter as she engages in the stories, everyday, not to mention all the hugs and kisses.
Thanks Winnie for sharing with us your wonderful journey in reading to EV and AA! Check out Winnie's blog here: http://toddlymummy.blogspot.sg/ and stay tuned for future editions of Reading Aloud With Mummy Bloggers!
]]>Scroll through and click on the book's title to find out more about each book.
Books for Children Aged 3+
1. Mister Magnolia by Quentin Blake (Paperback)
Mister Magnolia has only one boot - he has an old trumpet, two sisters, a pond, green parakeets, some fat owls, a scooter, a swimming pool; he's a juggler, a general, the owner of a dinosaur... But only one boot - until a wonderful parcel arrives with the most glamorous boot you ever saw. Quentin Blake has created a wonderfully lovable comic character which will crease every child with laughter.
At My Imagination Kingdom, we are constantly looking to bring you fresh and relevant content that might help add some spark to the next read-aloud experience you share with your child. Today, we are really excited to reveal our new “Reading Aloud With Mummy Bloggers” series, where we invite a local mummy blogger to share with us her thoughts and personal experiences as she embarked on this amazing journey of self-discovery and bonding with her child.
To launch this series, we are delighted to have with us Alicia, mother of four-and-a-half-year-old Dumpling, phonics instructor, homeschooler and SuperMom from BeanieNUs!
Here’s a little self-introduction from our guest, Alicia
I am a reformed perfectionist and a caffeine addict based in Singapore. Having to battle post natal depression shortly after birth, I have definitely learnt that motherhood throws you the most unpredictable curve balls. I am also a working mum who homeschools my daughter (fondly known as Dumpling) in the evenings.
I blog regularly at BeanieNUs where I pen down my parenting thoughts, share my love for food (and cooking) and my (sometimes) creative moments during our homeschool sessions.
I also have a fetish for smelling Dumpling’s toes and having immense satisfaction in stealing kisses as she sleeps. :)
1. Tell us more about yourself and what you do.
I am a working mum and a caffeine addict. My day job revolves around Marketing and Corporate Communications while my evening ‘job’ is that of a homeschooling mum!
2. Tell us more about Dumpling!
Dumpling is a typical, active pre-schooler who loves the outdoors and playdates. She also has a voracious appetite for books and loves pretend play where she gets to be the “Mummy” instead. J
3. As a phonics instructor yourself and a mother who homeschools Dumpling, how important do you think reading aloud to Dumpling is in her development journey? How has it helped her?
Reading aloud is a daily activity for us and has been that way since Dumpling was less than one year old. Being a working mum, I treasure whatever time that I have, after work, with Dumpling and that is how we started reading aloud. Through the constant and consistent exposure, reading also becomes a pleasure where we have loads of fun acting out. I personally believe that this has helped create a love for books in Dumpling’s case.
In addition to the bond, reading aloud also helps to raise phonemic awareness in children which increases their sensitivity to letter sounds. Dumpling is an early reader and started reading independently around 2 years old.
4. When did you first start reading to Dumpling? What was your experience like when you first started?
I started reading aloud when she was less than a year old. In addition to being a phonics instructor, I am also a certified Baby Signing instructor hence as we read nursery rhyme and stories, we would often sing and sign to it.
Because I believe in the ‘play learning’ route, this was incorporated into our reading aloud sessions and Dumpling loved the ‘reading/singing’. We would also break out into dances and groove to some rhymes CD. Having said that, there were also some days when Dumpling would just walk away.
5. Did you face any challenges in keeping Dumpling engaged when you’re reading to her? What tips would you give our readers to help them become better at reading aloud to their children?
As shared above, young children do walk away because by nature, they learn by exploring at that age. That is actually very common as children this young are active and they tend to explore as they basically learn through touch, taste, sound, etc. So what I did was to read to her in an enclosed area (play yard / room) and dramatize certain parts. I’d suddenly go “wow, look at the turnip! It is huge! Look at how big it is!” More often than not, because of my tone, she’d walk over for a peep.
Gradually she began to linger around more before progressing to sitting on my lap while being read to. Some of my fondest memories are of her seated between my legs, my lips just a tad above hers where I’d plant kisses, smell her head and read on. J
6. How would you advise our readers to go about using reading to improve their child’s literacy skills? Give us 3 things they can do.
I do draw a line between ‘literacy’ and ‘reading skills’ because to me, they are vastly different. Having phonological awareness and being about to sight read do not mean that a child is able to understand the story. Literacy as a whole means much more:
So, I'd rather my child love books, understand the above than just being able to recognise words. And for that, truly the best tip would be to read, read and read a lot with your child. When your child hears you read daily, he is exposed to the sound of the language and the beauty of the story.
Some suggestions to make reading more fun would be:
7. How do you go about picking books for Dumpling? Are there any resources or places you go to on the web for recommendations or reviews?
When Dumpling was younger, we went with well-known children’s authors such as Eric Carle, Bill Martin, etc., who provided us with great moments in the evenings. I chose these authors partly because of the bright illustrations and the easy rhymes. The book list from BFIAR is also a good way to start; many of the listed books are truly lovely titles with a great storyline and introduce good vocabulary. I do not have any specific resources / websites to go to for recommendations but I often head to Amazon to read the reviews. Additionally, you can also view the inside pages for some titles at Amazon.
When the child is older (2 and above), you can even extend to Tot Pack activities which you can print them free-of-charge off the internet. Here’s a link for these printables. I do also look out for award winning titles such as those which are awarded Caldecott Medals. The illustrations and the storyline of those titles are usually beautiful and a pleasurable read.
8. Since you homeschool Dumpling, do you try to pick books for Dumpling that fit into your teaching curriculum for her? If so, can you list some examples of how you have done that?
When she was younger, we went through the BFIAR list so I would reserve the books via the National Library Board website and pick them up at a later convenience. Sometimes we would also explore a particular title if that month is the author’s birthday month – for e.g. in March last year, we explored Green Eggs and Ham and Lorax. Other times we would also work around a field trip: here we did an air transport theme in-line with the Singapore Air Show.
9. You’re a fantastic example of a Super Mom! What with a full-time job, an active blog and homeschooling Dumpling, how do you find the time to read to Dumpling? Is there any routine that you have worked out to fit reading into?
Thank you for the kind words! If you can only see how disorganised I am at times, you would not call me a Super Mom! LOL. I homeschool Dumpling every evening from 7+pm. We target to read an English and a Chinese title every evening. When she was younger, we would extend to craft and using printable packs. Now that she is older, after reading the title, I will usually work with her on Creative Expression which sometimes includes a bit of writing or extend into some simple Science experiments (we love Science and titles from The Magic School Bus series is a delight).
I hardly go out on weekday nights because homeschooling is a choice that we make and this is a commitment that I seek to meet. Instead I meet my friends over lunch and mummy friends for weekend playdates.
10. Finally, despite all the efforts and time that is needed to make reading to Dumpling a regular activity, we know it must be a rewarding experience for you nevertheless. What do you enjoy most about reading to Dumpling?
I count my blessings daily that we are able to homeschool. There are sacrifices to be made and there are ‘tough days’ too when nothing seems to go according to plans. But I do consider it a privilege. The “togetherness” during the reading time that we have is beautiful. Being ‘present’ and being able to be part of her learning process is a gift. I am often humbled when I am able to witness the wonderment in her eyes when she manages to uncover a new discovery and encouraged by her squeals of delight and hugs.
Thank you Alicia! For sharing with us your reading aloud journey with Dumpling! For all of you out there who are interested in finding out more about Alicia and her blog, visit BeanieNUs! In the meanwhile, stay tuned for our next interview with Winnie from Toddly Mummy!
]]>Scroll through and click on the book's title to find out more about each book.
From tiny ants to enormous elephants, there’s a kiss for everyone in this warm and cozy feel-good book. Find out if worms kiss underground, with the soil all around, or if fish kiss with a splash and a splish. With an irresistible text that begs to be read aloud and adorable illustrations, parents and grandparents will love sharing this collection of affection with the youngest of readers.
In a cave in the woods,
in his deep, dark lair,
through the long, cold winter
sleeps a great brown bear.
In the beginning there was only God … then he started creating! The last and most troublesome of all his creations were men and women. God was forever having to give them a helping hand, as these brilliant stories reveal. Read all about the adventures of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, Noah and his ark, Joseph and his fabulous robe, David and Goliath, and many more.
With the help of Templeton, the rat who never did anything for anybody unless there was something in it for him, and by a wonderfully clever plan of her own, Charlotte saved the life of Wilbur, who by this time had grown up to quite a pig.
How all this comes about is Mr. White's story. It is a story of the magic of childhood on the farm.
Finding the right books for a child can sometimes be a challenge. And not just because we're trying to find books suitable for him or her at their age. But also because we want to make sure that the book would be something that he or she enjoys. Maybe there's a particular theme or type of books they're fascinated with (Disney princesses anyone?) or there's a specific kind of storyline or plot that really engages them. Whichever the case, with the selection of books available in bookstores, libraries and online, it can be mind-boggling for a parent.
Fear not! As with all things today, technology often has a solution for us. Goodreads, is a social reading site that has just the answer you'll need. The site's core purpose is to help book lovers recommend and share their favourite reads with others like themselves. Not only are you bound to find a review for any book you're interested in, you'll also be able to receive customised recommendations for books that you might enjoy based on your ratings of other books you have read.
Now, you must be wondering to yourself, how does that help me? I don't want recommendations for the paranormal romance novels that I'm into at the moment (although we're sure you'll be happy to know that you could find recommendations for the paranormal romance novels you're into at the moment on the site as well). I'm looking for recommendations for my 5-year-old Sarah or my 3-year-old Aaron.
The answer is simple. Instead of setting up an account for yourself, create an account for each of your children. Then select a specific genre, in this case "Children's" for them. The first thing you'll be prompted to do, is to start by rating the books that Sarah or Aaron have already read. The key is of course, to rate the books that they like. The more ratings you provide, the easier it would be for goodreads to provide you with a list of recommendations that might fit their tastes.
And to help goodreads refine their recommendations further, you can choose to remove recommended books from the list by simply clicking "Not Interested". The overall logic is simple, the more information you can provide to goodreads based on the books that Sarah or Aaron have already read, the better goodreads will become in predicting what other books they might also enjoy.
To top it all off, since goodreads is a social reading site to begin with, you can get your friends and family to join in the fun as well! Once you're connected to them on goodreads, you'll also be able to find the books that they (or their children) have rated or recommended. So what are you waiting for? Go knock yourselves out!
]]>Scroll through and click on the book's title to find out more about each book.
High on energy and imagination, this ode to self-esteem encourages kids to appreciate everything about themselves--inside and out. Messy hair? Beaver breath? So what! Here's a little girl who knows what really matters.
At once silly and serious, Karen Beaumont's joyous rhyming text and David Catrow's wild illustrations unite in a book that is sassy, soulful--and straight from the heart.
And it got worse...
His best friend deserted him. There was no dessert in his lunch bag. And, on top of all that, there were lima beans for dinner and kissing on TV!
This handsome new edition of Judith Viorst's classic picture book is sure to charm readers of all ages.
This first installment of Rick Riordan's best-selling series is a non-stop thrill-ride and a classic of mythic proportions.
And February arrivals are here! Scroll through and click on the book's title to find out more about each book.
Or ANGRY AS A DUCK?
Maybe SAD AS A CHICKEN?
(Can you sadly say "CLUCK CLUCK"?)
Bestselling author Sandra Boynton is back in this all-new board book about moods. Boynton's clever animals exemplify a wide range of emotions in this hilarious story about different feelings. Young readers are sure to giggle as interactive text asks them if they are "grumpy as a moose or excited as a dog?" Maybe they're "worried as a rabbit or contented as a frog?"
This new Boynton board book covers the first concept of moods with her charming, trademark sense of humor.
What's Ramona up to?
Big sister Beezus Quimby tries to be patient with her four-year-old little sister, Ramona, but it isn't easy, not when Ramona powders her nose with marshmallows and invites her nursery school class to a party without telling her family. Sometimes Beezus doesn't like Ramona, but the girls are sisters and that means they will always love each other—just not every single minute.
When her father loses his job, Ramona decides to help out. Maybe she could earn a million dollars making a TV commercial, or get her father to stop smoking to save money (and his lungs)—she is full of ideas. Some work, some don't. But when her father says he wouldn't trade her for a million dollars, Ramona knows all is right in her world.
BIG R, little r,
what begins with R?
Rosy's red rhinoceros.
R...r...R
From Aunt Annie's Alligator to Rosy's red rhinoceros to a Zizzer-Zazzer-Zuzz, learning the alphabet is bound to be fun with Dr. Seuss. And with this small, sturdy board-book version of his classic ABC book (Dr. Seuss's ABC), even the tiniest tots can indulge in a little alphabetical education. Each letter is featured with Dr. Seuss's unmistakably nonsensical illustrations and text: "Lion with a lollipop," "Camel on the ceiling," "Uncle Ubb's umbrella and his underwear, too." The youngest readers-to-be will get lots of letter practice with the repetitive use of each letter and the easy-to-memorize rhythmic rhymes. Soon your favorite preschooler will be reading this book aloud to you! (Baby to preschool) --Emilie Coulter
Everyone knows the song about the old lady who swallowed a fly, a spider, a bird, and even worse, but who's ever seen what's going on inside the old lady's stomach?
How Sylvester is eventually reunited with his loving family and restored to his true self makes a story that is beautifully tender and filled with magic. Illustrated with William Steig's glowing pictures, this is a modern classic beloved by children everywhere.
Selected as one of the 100 Best Books of the Century by the National Education Association.
Jill Murphy's classic, much-loved The Worst Witch series is the original story of life at a magical boarding school, perfect for 5-9 readers. Loveable but accident-prone Mildred Hubble is possibly the worst witch ever to go to Miss Cackle's Academy for Witches . . .
'Oh no . . . You've done it now Mildred!'
Mildred Hubble is a trainee at Miss Cackle's Academy for Witches, but she's making an awful mess of it. She keeps getting her spells wrong and crashing her broomstick. And when she turns Ethel, the teacher's pet into her worst enemy, chaos ensues...
'Millions of young readers have fallen under the spell of Jill Murphy's Worst Witch' - Sunday Express
Recently, we have seen a significant rise in the popularity of character books for children. Books from the Disney Princesses, Thomas The Train, Dora The Explorer, Barbie...You name a well-known children's TV show/movie or toy series and you're likely to find its equivalent in a book format. Whether it's activity books, sticker books, story books or even music/sound books.
At My Imagination Kingdom, we're huge fans of Walt Disney. He has, after all built a legacy by creating well-loved stories that draw on people's imagination. But yet, we wonder what he might say if he realises that the home libraries of children today are filled with "book adaptations" (from Disney no less) like the examples we have listed above.
"There is more treasure in books than in all the pirates' loot on Treasure Island. And best of all, you can enjoy these riches every day of your life." - Walt Disney
Walt Disney said this, at a time when "book adaptations" were not even invented. As a book lover, he believed that the knowledge and inspiration that books can bring, far exceeds the tangible monetary rewards you could ever receive from other sources. But to fully extricate this value from books, we need to remind ourselves that not all books can serve the same purpose.
Character books, while they're easy to consume for children who have already been exposed to them on TV, are unlikely to do much in helping to widen children's horizons. They merely leverage on the content that has already been written for TV or the big screen. From these content providers' point-of-view, the "book adaptations" are to extend the shelf life of the characters that they have developed in order to ensure that they can continue to reap profits from the original format (e.g. the TV series or toy merchandise). They were not written with the foremost objective of helping children gain literacy, stretch their imagination or be inspired to read more.
So while it's great to stimulate children who may be uninterested in books or reading with these character books at the beginning, it's important that we slowly wean children off these "book adaptations" as time passes. If not, children may never learn to appreciate books in their simplest and purest form. Books that were not based on anything else except the author's passion to tell a story.
]]>Many of us (including us at My Imagination Kingdom!) are so used to doing a book search on Amazon and reading the reviews by buyers there that when we chance upon a really new book which has yet to be reviewed, we're at a loss.
Today, we're going to talk a little about Kirkus Book Reviews, an extremely well-regarded review specialist that has been churning out book reviews, twice a month, for over 70 years.
Kirkus Reviews was launched in 1933, by Virginia Kirkus, once the head of the children's-book department of Harper & Bros. What is special about Kirkus Reviews, is that it focuses on pre-publication reviews. That means, they review the book even before it goes into publication, sometimes up to two to three months before. And you must wonder, why in the world would they want to do that? Well, Kirkus Reviews used to do that because it was a bi-monthly publication targeted at booksellers primarily and librarians to a certain extent.
While the publication ceased to exist in 2009, the digital version of it is still very much alive and kicking. 24 times a year, on the 1st and 15th of every month, the website continues to publish close to 200 articles every month. A wide range of fiction books (and some nonfiction) are covered and within this, includes reviews on both children's and young adult books.
What we really like about the children's and young adult book review section, is that the reviews are categorised by age! Just like how we have built this website as well. This makes it a lot easier and quicker to find the age-appropriate books suitable for your child. While the section highlights some of the critics' picks, you can also do a search for any book you're interested in using the search tool at the top right hand corner.
The other great reason to use Kirkus Reviews is the fact that for many of us who may not be industry experts or experienced publishers in the children's book field, Kirkus Reviews is a great way to discover new authors and their titles. While stocking up on every title of Eric Carle and Julia Donaldson is all right, sometimes it's also great to fall in love with an entirely different style of writing or illustration.
So what are you waiting for? Go click away at Kirkus Reviews!
This is not a paid-for article. Everything written here was researched, typed and edited by My Imagination Kingdom solely.
]]>We recently chanced upon Mr Printables, a great website that provides beautifully-designed printable resources to parents for free! Whether it is learning about alphabets or counting, Mr Printables has a wonderful range of printouts you can pick from.
The printouts are perfect for homeschooling parents who may find it challenging to design their own learning material. Not only are these printouts lovely and engaging for children, they're easily portable so learning can happen anytime, anywhere on-the-go!
]]>In this classic of modern children's literature, beloved by generations of readers and listeners, the quiet poetry of the words and the gentle, lulling illustrations combine to make a perfect book for the end of the day.
4. Horns To Toes and In Between by Sandra Boynton (Board Book)
Serious silliness for all ages. Artist Sandra Boynton is back and better than ever with completely redrawn versions of her multi-million selling board books. These whimsical and hilarious books, featuring nontraditional texts and her famous animal characters, have been printed on thick board pages, and are sure to educate and entertain children of all ages.
5. Moo, Baa, La, La, La! by Sandra Boynton (Board Book)
A cow says MOO.
A sheep says BAA.
Three singing pigs say LA LA LA!
“No, no!” you say, “that isn’t right.
The pigs say OINK all day and night.”
The original Moo, Baa, La La La! sold more than 3 million copies when it was first published, and thirty years later this delightful board book remains a favorite among children and parents. Complete with silly rhymes and containing redrawn art that retains all the humor and charm of the original illustrations, this book introduces children to animal sounds like only Sandra Boynton can!
6. Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter (Hardback)
When Mrs. Rabbit begs her four furry children to stay away from Mr. McGregor's garden, the impish Peter Rabbit naturally takes this as an open invitation to create mischief. But when he is spotted by the farmer himself, the chase is on! A century after it was first published, Beatrix Potter's beloved tale of a certain naughty bunny with a taste for radishes continues to enchant readers.
7. The Going To Bed Book by Sandra Boynton (Board Book)
No child likes going to bed and as every parent knows, their little treasures will try and delay it for as long as possible! Discover all the antics children get up to before going to bed, in this hilarious board book, written and illustrated in Boynton's own unique humourous style. The perfect way to read kids to sleep!
8. The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson (Board Book)
No child likes going to bed and as every parent knows, their little treasures will try and delay it for as long as possible! Discover all the antics children get up to before going to bed, in this hilarious board book, written and illustrated in Boynton's own unique humourous style. The perfect way to read kids to sleep!
9. Where's Spot? by Eric Hill (Board Book)
Eric Hill's best-loved cuddly dog has massive toddler appeal and with this sturdy board book searching under the flaps for Spot is guaranteed to be a fun game. Youngsters love the repetition of "Is he in the clock? Is he in the box? Is he under the rug?" and your child will enjoy predicting what's going to happen next at each stage. Babies and toddlers from 1+ will want to return to this again and again.
10. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle (Board Book)
"The very hungry caterpillar literally eats his way through the pages of the book—and right into your child's heart..."
—Mother's Manual
"Gorgeously illustrated, brilliantly innovative..."
—The New York Times Book Review
11. Where is Baby's Belly Button by Karen Katz (Board Book)
Karen Katz's adorable babies play peekaboo in this delightful interactive book. The sturdy format and easy-to-lift flaps are perfect for parents and children to share.
"Where are Baby's hands? Under the bubbles!"
"Where are baby's eyes? Under her hat!"
"Good night, Gorilla," says the zookeeper. But mischievous Gorilla isn't quite ready to go to sleep. He'd rather follow the zookeeper on his rounds and let all of the other animals out of their cages. Little night owls can sneak along with Gorilla and see who gets the last laugh in this riotous goodnight romp. Practically wordless yet full of expressive art and hilarious, adorable detail, this book is sure to become a beloved part of children's own bedtime rituals. "In a book economical in text and simple in illustrations, the many amusing, small details, as well as the tranquil tome of the story, make this an outstanding picture book." --The Horn Book
"A clever, comforting bedtime story." --School Library Journal
The wild things--with their mismatched parts and giant eyes--manage somehow to be scary-looking without ever really being scary; at times they're downright hilarious. Sendak's defiantly run-on sentences--one of his trademarks--lend the perfect touch of stream of consciousness to the tale, which floats between the land of dreams and a child's imagination.
This Sendak classic is more fun than you've ever had in a wolf suit, and it manages to reaffirm the notion that there's no place like home.
'Once there was a tree...and she loved a little boy.'
So begins a story of unforgettable perception, beautifully written and illustrated by the gifted and versatile Shel Silverstein.
Every day the boy would come to the tree to eat her apples, swing from her branches, or slide down her trunk...and the tree was happy. But as the boy grew older he began to want more from the tree, and the tree gave and gave and gave.
This is a tender story, touched with sadness, aglow with consolation. Shel Silverstein has created a moving parable for readers of all ages that offers an affecting interpretation of the gift of giving and a serene acceptance of another's capacity to love in return.
"A review of the evidence in the Archives Of Disease in Childhood says children's obsession with TV, computers and screen games is causing developmental damage as well as long-term physical harm. Doctors at the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, which co-owns the journal with the British Medical Journal group, say they are concerned.
Prof Mitch Blair, officer for health promotion at the college, said: "Whether it's mobile phones, games consoles, TVs or laptops, advances in technology mean children are exposed to screens for longer amounts of time than ever before. We are becoming increasingly concerned, as are paediatricians in several other countries, as to how this affects the rapidly developing brain in children and young people."
The American Academy of Pediatrics has also issued guidance, saying "media – both foreground and background – have potentially negative effects and no known positive effects for children younger than 2 years". The Canadian Paediatric Society says no child should be allowed to have a television, computer or video game equipment in his or her bedroom."
- The Guardian, Tuesday 9th October 2012
It is true that the profileration of mobile devices and technology has made it almost impossible for children to be isolated from it. At the same time, this has also become a contentious issue amongst paediatricians and education experts. We are seeing an increasing number of studies, similar to the one above, that call for parents to be more mindful of the amount of TV they are exposing their young children to.
Without a doubt, the quality of children's television today has improved. However, this needs to be balanced against the needs of a child at that tender age. In the same study above, Dr Aric Sigman, the author of the study says that the first three years of a child's life are critical for brain development and it is highly pertinent that children at this age interact with their parents eye-to-eye, and not with a screen.
It is easy when you're busy and in need of some quiet time to leave your child in front of the TV or computer watching programmes by themselves. It definitely does the job of keeping them focused on something instead of pestering you for another snack or requiring your attention. But the easy way out for you may not necessarily be the best way out for your child.
The next time you're tempted to place your child in front of the TV, think about how much more fun you might have spending quality time with him or her by interacting face-to-face with them.
]]>Kate Garland, a lecturer in psychology at the University of Leicester in England, is one of the few scientists who has studied this question and reviewed the data. In one study involving psychology students, the medium did seem to matter. Two differences emerged. First, more repetition was required with computer reading to impart the same information. Second, the book readers seemed to digest the material more fully. “What we found was that people on paper started to ‘know’ the material more quickly over the passage of time,” says Garland. “It took longer and [required] more repeated testing to get into that knowing state [with the computer reading, but] eventually the people who did it on the computer caught up with the people who [were reading] on paper.”
Credit: TIME, March 14, 2012, http://healthland.time.com/2012/03/14/do-e-books-impair-memory/
While there's no question that digital reading is going to co-exist with print reading in the years ahead, research between the two platforms is proving that there is at least a need for us to think about this a little more. Studies on this issue, while limited at this stage, do show that eventhough student performance remains the same for both e-reading and print reading, print readers actually retain the information better in the long run.
As a parent, this is an interesting point to note. There is an increasing proliferation of children's books available on devices like the iPad, Kindle and even the iPhone. With the interactivity of these devices, it is tempting to convert a child's library to a wholly digital one. And yet, similar research done for children reflects the same results between e-reading and print reading.
Researchers at the Joan Ganz Cooney Center in New York worked with 32 pairs of parents and their three to six-year-old children for the small study, Print Books vs Ebooks, which gave each family a print book and either a basic ebook or an enhanced ebook version of the same title. Enhanced ebooks were found to distract children from the story, and their bells and whistles prevented children from remembering as many narrative details. Enhanced ebooks should still be valued, however, "for their ability to prompt less motivated young readers toward engagement when they might otherwise avoid text altogether".
Credit: The Guardian, June 7, 2012, http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/jun/07/enhanced-ebooks-bad-for-children
Before we jump at this information and cut out e-books entirely from a child's reading habits, we should note that this is not a debate about whether to read e-books OR print books. Parents should provide a good variety of both as they fulfil different roles in a child's reading experience. To engage a child and get him/her to enjoy reading, e-books are great. However, to ensure that a child's literacy skills genuinely benefit from reading, print books might be a better option. Ultimately, it is about selecting the right books and the right medium to achieve different objectives.
]]>"Education researchers have shown that adding Q-and-As to reading time can significantly improve children's language skills. And the more detailed the questions, the better.
Dr Paatsch, who is conducting the research with University of Melbourne colleagues, said asking "open" questions was particularly important.
"These can stimulate their imagination and creativity, and can also be used as a way of connecting the story to their own world experiences and developing their vocabulary," she said."
Credit: Article by Evonne Barry, Herald Sun, August 30 2012
Reading time is often a time for satisfying a child's curiosity. He or she takes this opportunity to ask the adult or parent questions about everything and anything related to the book at hand. However, it is also a great moment for parents to engage their child in a conversation by asking questions instead of answering them all the time. By asking questions, you can invite the child to think about the text or pictures from a different point-of-view (from their own) and help them build up their cognitive and language skills.
At the same time, it is also a great way to fuel their imagination by allowing them to think outside the text or pictures in the book. Find opportunities to relate the text to your family life or the child's experiences. For example, if the book is about learning to share things with a sibling, ask the child if he or she has done something similar. Or why they think the character in the book does not want to share (or wants to share).
But remember, try to avoid turning the questions into a test or examination. Hold back your desire to correct your child or tell him or her that things are not possible. It's more important for them at this stage, to learn that they are allowed to think of anything without fear of being criticized or chastised by their parents.
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