I love to read

I love to read on my bed.

I love to read on my hammock.

I love to read in my car.

I love to read in my garden.

I love to read in my canoe.

I love to read at the market.

I love to read at home.

I love to read on the wharf.

I love to read at my school.

I love to read under the palm tree.

I love to read at the beach.

I love to read everywhere.

This book is meant for Solomon Islands children 0 – 5 years, their families and caregivers. Yes, children even at this age can learn the joy of looking at pictures, storytelling and love of books. It is not important for children at an early age to learn letters or numbers. In fact, when young children are asked to read before their minds and bodies are ready – usually around the age of 5 or 6 years – it can often cause problems during school years and later in life. The most important thing when a child is young is the bonding – the time you spend with them on a regular basis being together, encouraging children to be curious about what they see and hear in the books, copying the actions you see in the books, encouraging children to tell their own stories, allowing them to explore the books on their own – and showing them how much you enjoy and appreciate each child exactly as they are!

This material has been developed by the early childhood development (ECD) workshop participants in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD). Production Team: Christina Bare-Karae, Dorothy Corina Leve, Jullian Fenny Lilo, Nina Davis, Diaduri Vangara, Sherol Mautoa. Photographs: Charles Kadamana (Professional Photographer) Graphic Design: Romulus Huta | Graphic Design editor : Selwyn Do’oro Graphic Final Graphic Design editor: Joseph Lavulo Acknowledgements: Hugh, Gregory, Alban, Nester, Israel

We express special thanks to all the children and their families for giving generously of their time and to the participants of the ECD and Children’s Media Consultant: Barbara Kolucki.

This book is part of a series of materials produced during a workshop supported by UNICEF and MERHD in February 2015 for young children and their families/caregivers throughout the Solomon Islands. They are designed to support young children’s holistic development and promote their emergent literacy and learning skills, nurture their self-confidence and increase interactions between children and their families. The best way any family can do this is through their everyday routines. In your own language and from the time a baby is born – talk, sing, tell stories, look at pictures and read to your children. You will be helping your child to develop a life-long love of learning. And you will be spending special time with your child – time that you can never replace!”