As a single parent, you want to do all you can to enhance your child’s learning opportunities. An excellent way to achieve this is with homemade books. For instance, you can create a simple book by using pictures cut from magazines, catalogs, or other similar publications. In addition, you might go with a theme such as animals, vehicles, food, and so on, or just create the book using pictures of things from your child’s environment. To make a homemade book with and for your child, just follow these simple guidelines:
-Cut pictures out and paste them onto thick paper stock or construction paper
-The pages can be bound any way you choose. For instance, you could punch holes through them, followed by tying ribbon or string, use glue, etc.
-It would also be helpful if the book is sturdy enough so that your child can flip through the pictures on his or her own
-You might also consider making a book specific to words your child already knows. This way, as your child “reads”, he or she will feel proud. Keep a record of new words learned so you can add them in later or choose pictures that associate with the word.
-As your child grows, create a book with an actual storyline. In other words, if the book contains a picture of a horse, create a page that tells a short story about the horse, which will help give your child better meaning of words.
-Another great idea for a picture book is to offer the child a book of photographs featuring family and friends. You could use a picture of daddy fixing the car, mom cooking dinner, and brother and/or sister playing, etc.
-If the pictures are of your child and any personal experience, for instance a trip to the zoo or a birthday party, encourage storytelling about the event
Your homemade books make a great tool for learning, as well as conversation. You will find these homemade books quickly become a favorite possession, which can be saved as wonderful keepsakes for when the child is older.