The Magic of Books within an Early Years Setting
Industry: Education
Kid’s Island Nursery knows that exposure to books is as important to a child’s early development as having access to engaging play areas. Encouraging young children to actively seek out the joys of a book is at the core of their teaching.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (PRUnderground) November 5th, 2018
Isabelle Amatoury, Owner and Founder of Kid’s Island Nursery, believes that books open the door to a child’s imagination. With this in mind, she has ensured that throughout the Nursery, there are areas for children to embrace the magic of books.
Storytime is a time when children are filled with awe and wonder as teachers lead them to different worlds, on wonderful adventures. To enhance these adventures, teachers have access to story boxes which contain not only the book but props to enhance the story! The props provide an additional element of engagement for the children, which makes the book come alive for the young audience.
Within the Nursery, teachers create cosy interactive reading nooks in their classroom. The books are age appropriate and filled with visual cues to enable the child to retell the story in their own words. Books are regularly exchanged in the area depending on the theme being covered within the Nursery, to ensure the children remain engaged.
Studies show that parents are their child’s first educator. They provide the foundation for their child’s future learning. Children mimic what they see at home, which is why the Nursery encourages parents to read regularly to their children. “Children are made readers on the laps of their parents” – Emilie Buchwald. When a child is read a book, they are receiving a gift of not only their parents time, but of the wonderous world held between the pages.
Kid’s Island continues to foster a love for books within its Nursery community by organising regular book fairs hosted by Booktopia, an online Dubai based bookshop. Providing easy access to affordable books allows parents to further enrich their child’s library at home. Malar Balaji, Owner of Booktopia, recommends that parents follow a special reading routine with their child. This will further enhance the message that reading should be an enjoyable, relaxing and rewarding experience, as they explore the stories together.
Kid’s Island Nursery prides itself on the large variety of books and reading opportunities available to the children within the Nursery. Visually engaging materials and reading experiences are provided to nurture the seed of curiosity within each child. In the words of Dr Seuss, “You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child.”
About Kid’s Island Nursery
Kid’s Island Nursery is a well-established pre-school center located in Jumeirah. Its ethos centers on being an extended family for its parents. Delivering the British Curriculum for over 27 years, Kid’s Island Nursery has enriched the program with innovative and exciting educational approaches.
