Book Week

It's that time of the year again when the anticipated (or dreaded) Book Week comes around.

From late-night craft supply runs to Kmart, to the sudden realisation you forgot about it until the Sunday before, or the stress when your child decides they don't want to dress up, Book Week can be challenging for many parents. We would know. However, from a speech and language development perspective, Book Week is an excellent opportunity for your child's growth!

Vocabulary Expansion

Reading books in preparation for Book Week exposes children to new words and concepts, expanding their vocabulary. Reading is one of the best ways to boost communication naturally in a fun and engaging way. Furthermore, there is usually hype in the lead-up to the week, with lots of children reading new or re-reading books to find their favourite characters.

Narrative Comprehension

Reading and discussing stories helps children understand story structure, which can, in turn, improve their ability to create coherent storylines in their speech and writing.

Social Communication Skills

Book Week can increase a child's confidence and social communication skills through shared reading times and discussions, encouraging listening, turn-taking, and appropriate conversation responses.

Imaginative Play

Dressing up is an excellent way for kids to enter a fantasy world they have always dreamed of and leave their everyday lives behind! Engaging in play with costumes is a wonderful way for young children to explore unique identities, roles, and points of view. This encourages the development of various skills, including literacy, life skills, and creative play. Additionally, dressing up can help kids practice fine motor skills with different zippers and buttons that often come with intricate costumes.

How to best implement Book Week to improve communication

1. Encourage your child to read independently or read to them regularly so they can absorb all that language learning.
2. Discuss potential characters they might like to dress up as in the lead-up to Book Week.
3. After finishing a book, ask your child, "Would you like to dress up as [character] for Book Week this year?" This encourages the child to consider reading a fun activity, and to utilise their imagination, an important part of social development.
4. Ask questions based on their chosen characters and costumes to encourage them to talk and expand on their conversation skills.
5. Start promoting Book Week as early as possible, even if your child is a late-talker. This will foster a positive environment around Book Week, making it something they look forward to in the future.
6. If possible, consider involving your child in the costume-making process. This can provide additional opportunities for communication, problem-solving, and creativity.

Remember, the goal is to make Book Week an enjoyable and enriching experience that supports your child's language and overall development!