My daughter, Elim is five-and-a-half years old. We cuddle and read aloud every night; the bedroom is filled with laughter and conversation.
Looking back, I have been reading to Elim since she was nine-months old. I began with a soft book, a big book and a hand-made book. From her finger-pointing and babbling, you can tell how intrigued she was. By the age of two, I read out loud with sound effects and gestures; she enjoyed it immensely, flipping through pages and asking questions.
The habit of reading aloud became even stronger when Dad joined in later. When Elim reached the age of 3, the bedtime story became my turn to listen; she would talk to me about her preschool life. She had to hand in an English book report when she was 4. She drew a
little Bambi
and copied her favourite excerpt from the book. She was praised by the teacher for this little assignment. Now, Elim is five and a half years old, her passion for reading continues. As we read, we share our views and moral values; sometimes we even create a new ending for the story. She has even tried to make her own storybook.
Reading enhances children’s expression and thinking skills and sets the tone for stable yet joyful emotions. Elim is intrinsically motivated to write because she loves reading. Read out loud also connects parents to their child so the bond and love can grow even stronger. I can recall when she earnestly cried out “be careful” when I was changing the light bulb or cutting fruit. When I lose in race or family game, she would say, “Mama comes first, I am second.” I am deeply touched by her empathy, love and care.
I love reading aloud and I joined First Teacher Training conducted by Bring Me A Book Hong Kong to further polish my skills. I am grateful to Percie for sharing personal experiences and advice. Practical tips for read-aloud and book selection are particularly helpful for me. I am glad to learn about the charity, Bring Me A Book Hong Kong, they have recommended quality books with beautiful illustrations and great content. Under “Useful information”, you would find both Chinese and English Children Book Guide. The Chinese Guide includes synopsis of each storybook which is highly accessible. Thank you all the staff for their time and effort in preparing the Book Guide.
Carmen, participant of Community Training Program (Boys’ & Girls’ Clubs Association
of Hong Kong Jockey Club Tai Wai Children and Youth Integrated Services Centre)
