This is a lovely time of the year to begin a special time with the child in your care.  If you can set aside only twenty minutes a day it can reap special rewards.  You can use the Love Notes series as a base to help you formulate your daily plans.  This will help not only in language development, but also in establishing those special bonds between the caregiver and the child.

Jim Trelease in his wonderful Read Aloud Handbook suggests three points to encourage your child to enjoy reading.

1.  You read to children while they are still young enough to want to imitate what they are seeing and hearing.

2.  You make sure the readings are interesting and exciting enough to hold their interest while you are building up their imaginations.

3.  You keep the initial readings short enough to fit their attention spans and gradually lengthen both.

These are important years for the child in your care. You can not go back and redo them.  Don't miss the enjoyment of these special times together as you work with the Love Notes series.

Here is an anonymous poem that explains it all...Enjoy every precious moment!

 

A Little Later, Son

My hands were busy through the day.
I didn't have much time to play
the little games you asked me to.
I didn't have much time for you.
I'd wash your clothes; I'd sew and cook,
but when you'd bring your picture book
and ask me please to share your fun,
I'd say, "A little later, son."
I'd tuck you in, all safe at night,
hear your prayers, turn out the light,
then tiptoe softly to the door.
I wish I'd stayed a minute more.
For life is short, the years rush past,
a little boy grows up so fast.
No longer is he at your side,
his precious secrets to confide.
The picture books are put away,
there are no longer games to play,
no goodnight kiss, no prayers to hear.
That all belongs to yesteryear.
My hands, once busy, now are still.
The days are long and hard to fill.
I wish I could go back and do
the little things you asked me to.