Why you should always read fairy tales to grandkids
If you can’t remember the last time you read or told a fairy tale, it may be time to brush up on your favourite childhood stories. Fairy and folk tales can be a fantastic way to help your grandchildren with their reading and comprehension skills. This is due to the way these kinds of stories utilize common language features along with promoting a storyline that many children will be able to determine and decipher.
Why fair tales?
Fairy tales are continually being integrated into the school curriculum, which makes them an excellent option for at-home reading activities. The majority of fairy tales share common language features, which makes them appealing for young children. These features include the strong use of repeated phrases, simple language and the opportunity to repeat or finish statements by the reader.
Which fairy tales?
Stick to the classics! Tales like The Three Little Pigs, Little Red Riding Hood, and Goldilocks are all easily understandable for kids of all ages. Others to look out for include:
- Sleeping Beauty
- Cinderella
- Rapunzel
- The Emperor’s New Clothes
Skills to employ
When reading with your grandkids try and utilise the following:
- Funny voices – Kids find funny voices engaging and it also helps them to distinguish between characters.
- Cadences – Familiar phrases help kids to recognise themes and plot line.
- Props or puppets – Kids love it when a story comes to life. Try adding in puppets or other relevant props for an engaged learning experience.
Related links:
Your favourite childhood books now look different
Why it’s imperative to share your memories with grandchildren
In pictures: inspiring quotes from your favourite childhood authors