My Wonderful Daddy

Daddy is caring, he is caring for me.

Daddy is loving me, he is loving me.

Daddy is playing, he is playing with me.

Daddy is reading, he is reading with me.

Daddy is singing, he is singing with me.

Daddy is washing, he is washing me.

Daddy is swinging, he is swinging with me.

No matter what we do daddy, daddy I Love you.

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 Final Graphic Design editor: Joseph Lavulo Acknowledgements: Hugh, Gregory, Alban, Nester, Israel

“We express special thanks to the children and their families for giving generously of their time and to the participants of the ECD Workshop held in Honiara during February 2015 ECD and Children’s Media Consultant: Barbara Kolucki.

This book is part of a series of a series of materials developed for young children and their caregivers. It was produced at a workshop supported by UNICEF and MEHRD from 16-20 February 2015. These materials are designed to help children with literacy skills but also to develop their self-confidence and pride in their culture.