Students Snuggle Up for Story Time at Ladybird Nursery and Early Learning Centre Ahead of UAE Reading Month

Ladybird Nursery and Early Learning Centre encourages parents and teachers to read aloud to children as it enhances listening and comprehensive skills 

Dubai, UAE, February 23, 2017:  Research undertaken around the world, has consistently highlighted the benefits of reading aloud to children. The Ladybird Nursery (Jumeirah) and the Ladybird Early Learning Centre (Jumeirah Village Circle), following the EYFS Montessori curriculum, inculcates a reading habit in toddlers and pre-schoolers by regularly reading aloud to them. 

With UAE’s Month of Reading just around the corner, celebrated in March every year, the educationists at the preschools highlighted the importance of reading aloud to children. 

“Reading aloud to children is a regular activity at the nurseries. We have specially designed indoor and outdoor reading corners scattered across the centre and nursery where children read books and our teachers read aloud to them,” says Monica Valrani, CEO of Ladybird Nursery and Ladybird Early Learning Centre. 

The reading corners are attractively designed and are comfortably propped with pillows, beanbags, and storybook characters to optimise the experience for children. 

Benefits of reading aloud
Listening to books helps children develop a positive attitude towards books as a source of pleasure and information. “Reading aloud expands children’s background knowledge, enhances their listening skills, increases their comprehension skills, improves critical thinking and problem solving skills, and sharpens their observation skills,” says Monica. 

Ever since His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, the Emir of Abu Dhabi and the Supreme Commander of the Union Defence Force, launched the National Reading Law, as part of a 10-year plan to encourage reading among the people of the UAE, Valrani states that she notices a visible change in the attitude towards reading among the parents. 

“We have always encouraged parents to read aloud to children at home as well, however, parents are increasingly taking the activity seriously as they can spend quality time with the children and add to their reading enjoyment,” adds Monica. 

Reading aloud also stimulates children’s imaginations by providing them with opportunities to view situations from various perspectives, and by learning that events can be seen from different viewpoints. Monica adds, “It fosters their curiosity, enhances their self-confidence and self-esteem, and encourages positive social interaction with other children and adults.” 

Top 5 books picture books to read aloud 

1. Green Eggs and Ham by Dr Seuss 
2. Love you Forever by Robert Munsch 
3. Mr. Brown can Moo, Can You? By Dr Seuss 
4. Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson
5. Knuffle Bunny by Mo Willems