Fun with books for under 5's

Sharing books with your child from an early age will improve their language skills, and helps develop their imagination, interests and confidence.

They are a great way to introduce new words, colours, shapes, and different situations to your child.

You can talk in any language you want, change the story to suit you, put on funny voices or tell it how it is on the page.

Books are great as part of the bedtime routine!

Once your child has a love of books they will have their favourites that they will want read to, again and again …… but they will also want new ones. So bring them to your local library – thousands of books to choose from …for free!!

• Libraries really are friendly places to go, and there is always a children’s area where nobody minds if your child makes noise or wants to look at lots of books. 
• Books are for using and we understand that accidents happen – we are happy to make allowances for damage as long as it does not happen too often. 
• You are never too young to have your own library card. We encourage parents to get cards for their babies. We do not fine overdue children’s books taken out on a child’s ticket. So if you are a few days late returning them – no worries. And remember you can renew books over the phone or on the internet. 

Words for Life from the National Literacy Trust has been designed to provide parents, children and young people with activities and support to improve their language, literacy and communication skills from home.

The website has quick and easy tips and activities to discover new ways you could boost your child’s literacy skills while having fun chatting, playing and reading together.

Sign up to their newsletter which is packed with fun, free activities to complete with your children, as well as tips and advice. If your child is aged 0-5, there’s something for you!

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