How Bright Horizons Helped My Child Develop Reading, Writing & Storytelling Skills
Meet Dina, mother to a 2-year-old boy and member of our fantastic Parent Panel*; a diverse community of Bright Horizons parents sharing their experiences of raising happy, thriving and confident children.
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As a parent, there's nothing more rewarding than witnessing my child's growth and development. One area where my child has shown amazing progress is in their reading, writing and storytelling skills, thanks to their time at Bright Horizons. The nursery's engaging activities and nurturing environment have not only honed these essential skills but also instilled a lifelong love for literacy in my little boy.
From the moment my little one started at Bright Horizons, I noticed a significant change in their attitude towards books and storytelling. The story time sessions, led by the nursery staff, have been a highlight of their day. The way the teachers bring stories to life with expressive voices, gestures, and props has captivated my boy’s imagination and fostered a deep love for reading. The nursery staff's passion for storytelling is contagious, and my child can't wait to join in and share their own tales.
Developing writing skills through creative exercises
The creative writing exercises at Bright Horizons have also played a vital role in developing my child's writing skills. The nursery staff encourage children to express themselves through drawing, trying in writing, whether it's crafting a short story, knowing a poem, or simply jotting down their thoughts and ideas. These exercises have helped my child develop their starting to write skills, as well as their ability to think creatively and articulate their thoughts in a more expressive way.
Interactive storytelling
Interactive storytelling has been another area where Bright Horizons has excelled in promoting literacy skills. The nursery staff engage children in role-playing activities, puppet shows, and other interactive storytelling sessions that encourage children to participate and contribute their own ideas. These activities have not only boosted my child's confidence in their storytelling abilities but also taught them the value of collaboration and teamwork.
“Focus of a book”
One particular activity that has significantly boosted my child's reading, writing, and storytelling skills is the nursery's "focus of a book" program. Each week, the nursery staff introduce a new author and their works, which my child eagerly devours. This program has exposed my child to a wide range of literary styles, genres, and authors, broadening their understanding of the world and sparking their imagination.
To support my child's literacy development at home, I make it a point to read with them regularly. We snuggle up together on the couch, and I read them stories, encouraging them to point to the words and identify letters and sounds. I also ask open-ended questions to prompt them to think critically about the story and its characters. This has not only helped reinforce his reading skills but also fostered a love for reading that extends beyond the nursery.
Encouraging writing and creativity at home
In addition to reading, I also encourage my little one to try to write and create stories at home. We have started a journal together, where he writes about their day, their thoughts, and their feelings. This has helped them develop their writing skills and express themselves more effectively.
In conclusion, my boy’s time at Bright Horizons has been instrumental in developing his early reading, writing and storytelling skills. The nursery's engaging activities, nurturing environment, and passionate staff have created a love for literacy in my child that will stay with them for a lifetime. As a parent, it's been a joy to witness their growth and development, and I'm grateful for the support and guidance provided by the nursery staff. With continued support and encouragement at home, I'm confident that my little one will continue to thrive in their literacy journey.