Page 62 - Reading Nest - The Supportive Literacy Environment Handbook

Every class and group have their reading leaders, that is children who have started reading
faster and more, as if ahead of their age. Their model may have a great impact on other children
when reading leaders are reasonably employed. The reading nest should contain something
for a child who is interested in greater imagination or more complex plots than other peers in
general. For example in the kindergarten boredom with lyrical fairy tales (Cinderella, Sleeping
Beauty) etc. is identified in 6 to 7-year olds (also girls!), and they can be fascinated by stories

with a bit of spookiness and rough jokes, e.g. folk lore stories of the devil, ghosts and so on.

There is no rush to put aside simpler reading either. There are always children whose reading
skills lag 2-3 years behind others. Some books of an exciting plot but little text could still be
included in the nest’s selection for 10-11 year old children. Every child should have a book
which is like a friend patting on the shoulder: “You can read me and you understand

everything just right.”

Estonian didactics specialists recognise that children develop at vastly differing rates, whilst
stages of development cannot be distinguished clearly, and sometimes the child slips
unnoticed and smoothly from one skill level to another. Therefore it is important to allow
children make choices as much as possible, as to which book to choose in terms of text and
illustrations.

Books for very young children need variety in the format and visuals. Thick cardboard pages
are handy for turning and small size makes them convenient to hold on the lap and in the hand.
Lots of books are published with fancy touchy-feely details, holes and magnets, it is worth
remembering though that such details do not necessarily guarantee an interesting book. With

these books it is a parent or an older child who plays an enriching role, with whom the book
is explored, experience is worded and discussions are had as to what is being touched and
seen.

C. R. Jakobsoni nim Torma PK lasteaia lugemispesas on valik eakohaseid värvirõõmsaid raamatuid.