10 Tips from Mem Fox

If you grew up in Australia, think back to when you were a kid and what your favourite books were?

Do any of these light a spark? 

Possum Magic. 

Where is the Green Sheep. 

Koala Lou. 

Hattie and the Fox.

10 Little Fingers, 10 Little Toes

Mem Fox is an Australian author who has written dozens of Aussie favourites for children, and if you are anything like me they are still heart warming favourites today. Fond memories of your childhood and the school library.

Recently on Twitter Mem shared her Top 10 Tips for helping children learn to read so I really wanted to share them here with you and recommend you follow her on Twitter if you're on there @memfox1

1. Spend at least ten wildly happy minutes every single day reading aloud.
2. Read at least 3 stories a day: it may be the same story 3 times. Kids need to hear thousands before they can begin to learn to read.
3. Read aloud with animation. Listen to your own voice and don’t be dull or boring. Hang loose and be loud, have fun and laugh a lot.
4. Read with joy and enjoyment: real enjoyment for yourself and great joy for the listeners
5. Read the stories that the kids love and always read in the same ‘tune’ for each book: i.e. with the same intonations on each page/time
6. Let children hear lots of language by talking to them constantly about the pictures, or any other connections to the book.
7. Look for rhyme, rhythm or repetition in books for young children, and make sure the books are really short.
8. Play games with the things that you and the child can see on the page, such as letting kids finish rhymes, and finding the letters.
9. Never ever teach reading, or get tense around books.
10. Please read aloud every day, mums and dads, because you just love being with your child, not because it’s the right thing to do.

Isn't that just the most beautiful list of things to do when reading with your kids? I love it. 

What's your favourite Mem Fox book? Send us a happy snap of your kids reading a Mem Fox classic.

Happy Learning!