Storytime: Say Goodnight

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

 Today we read Say Goodnight

Say Goodnight is a very short bedtime story (the book contains 8 pages) that depicts the tumbling, fun-filled day activities of infants with their parents/caregivers. The bumpity bumpity day of play closes with a soft, loving wish to rest and sleep. The ending is easily changed so that parents can read, "Assalamu alaikum" instead of "Say Goodnight".

This book comes in a large board book version that makes it easy to read to infants and young toddlers. This version is larger than standard board book size but not too large that infants and toddlers will not be able to handle the book independently insha'Allaah. And the fact that the book is very short makes it a good read for young toddlers whose attention span is....short *smile*. The well-known Oxenbury babies are once again presented in real-life situations that many children will be very familiar with. This is a book that you may enjoy reading aloud as you prepare your child(ren) to end their day and prepare for bed...waallaahu a'lam.

How Parents Can Help Children Choose Just The Right Book

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

There is a method called the 'Five Finger' rule that aides children in selecting books that are on their reading level. This rule helps eliminate the frustration a child may feel when they pick up a book with a genuine desire to read it, only to find that it is a). too easy or b). too difficult.

Before your next trip to the library or bookstore, you can teach your child the 'Five Finger' method very easily insha'Allaah by introducing him/her to use these simple steps:

1. Open the book to any page.
2. Start reading.
3. Whenever you come to a word you don’t know, hold up 1 finger.
4. When you finish reading the page, look at your hand and count how many fingers you are holding up.

If you are holding up:

0-1 Fingers the book is too easy

2 -3 Fingers, the book is just right

4-5 Fingers, the book is most likely too hard; choose another

Parents can also find additional tips for helping their child pick developmentally appropriate books here insha'Allaah.