Read a book with your child

You will need: Some great children’s books that you can enjoy with your child. (You can get these from the library for free). To make some time to read with your child without interruptions.   You can: Choose a book with your child Find a...

Cook together

Some ideas to begin: • Wash your hands before you start • Prepare fruit and vegies, e.g. wash and tear lettuce, scrub and peel vegies • Chop soft food, such as bananas • Pour liquids into dry ingredients • Beat eggs • Measure and tip ingredients...

Write a card or email

You will need: Paper and pens (or a digital device) Someone to send a note to   You can: Choose someone significant in your child’s life to write to Ask your child what they would like to say and write this for them Encourage your child to...

Tell stories

You will need: A willingness to tell real life and imaginary stories   You can: Talk with your child about your day, ask them about their day Tell your child stories of your own childhood, life experiences, your whanau and whakapapa and the...

Visit the library

You will need: To know where your nearest library is and the best way to get there To get a library membership card (this is free). To do this you will need proof of your address such as a letter/bill addressed to you To allow time to explore the...

Play I spy

You will need: Your thinking hat on   You can: Use letter sounds or word beginnings rather than letter names, for example: “I spy with my little eye something beginning with ‘c’, (using a ‘k’ sound) for cat I spy with my little eye something...

Learning new words

You will need: A fun attitude and some initiative to find new words to learn   You can: Choose a word to learn Find out the meaning of the word together Write out the word and put it in a visible place Try to use the word in sentences...

Learn some rhymes

You will need: A knowledge of, or copies of simple rhymes: You may remember these from your childhood (e.g. nursery rhymes) You may find some on the internet or in books at your local library   You can: Learn and recite some simple rhymes...