'It helps children with speech & making friends'

Samantha and her husband recently attended Learn to Love to Read’s Early Years classes at West Hill Primary School with their three year-old son Christian. We spoke to Samantha about how she felt the classes had supported Christian’s development.

Learn to Love to Read’s Early Years classes are a set of four sessions for children between the ages of two and four. They are designed to give parents the confidence and skills required to support their child’s early literacy so they are ready to learn to read when they start Reception. Through songs, stories, and speaking and listening games, children expand their vocabulary and increase their interest in sharing books. 

Each set of classes comprises four weekly sessions and families are given a book, song card and another resource such as a puzzle or Play-Doh each week. By the end of their four sessions, each family has a tote bag full of books and other resources to support their reading. 

Samantha and her partner live with their three sons and her parents.. Samantha had already attended  two sets of Early Years classes with her eldest son and really enjoyed the sessions. She was excited that she and her husband were able to bring Christian to a recent set of classes and the family attended all four sessions.

They felt the classes had really supported Christian with his reading, singing and talking at home and Samantha reflects: “Since attending the classes we’ve noticed that he’s more chatty... it’s been so nice to have spent this time just with Christian.”

Both parents comment that Christian is an active boy, sometimes finding it difficult to sit still for extended periods. Samantha feels that, “the sessions have allowed lots of movement and he has loved joining in with the classes.” He particularly liked the craft activity, the playdough and all of the books. “When he gets home he will get the bag out and sit and look through the books - they all love them,” she continues.

Support for families also includes regular messaging between classes suggesting activities to do during the week as well as reminders for the next class. Samantha feels that the WhatsApp messages were helpful with reminders and ideas.

So far Samantha has attended a total of 12 Early Years classes with her oldest three boys and is looking forward to coming next year with her youngest.

So would Samantha recommend the classes to other parents?

“Yes, definitely! It really helps children with speech and making friends.” Christian’s parents also feel that the classes have given them the resources and encouragement to read more to their children at home and comment that all the children love reading.