Book: I Touch by Helen Oxenbury

This video lesson is designed for 3-6-year-old children to imbibe book reading habits into them. In this lesson, we will read and discuss a famous book, ‘I touch.’ by author Helen Oxenbury’.

Introduction to the Author: Helen Oxenbury

Helen Oxenbury is an English illustrator and writer who was born in June 1938. Her work has been focused on picture books for children. Helen has an extensive series of children’s books to suit the Montessori philosophy.

Brief Description of the Book: I Hear

I Touch, is a book in which a little child, who is the main character of the book, perceives, and interacts with his environment through the sense of touch. The little child happily discovers that everything feels different, the water, the cat, a worm, etc. The book also helps the parents and/or teachers to understand how a child discovers and perceives his environment.

Watch the video along with the child to read the book: I can and build their language skills.

How can Book Reading Help in a Child’s Growth?

Book reading helps children develop communication skills, patience, empathy, and literacy. These factors are critical to academic success and beyond. Other benefits of book reading are:

In-depth knowledge of letters and sounds
Improves vocabulary
Improve listening skills
Builds concentration and discipline
Cultivates lifelong love for reading

How to Identify the Books that are Appropriate for Children According to the Montessori Method?

Non-fiction books. Understanding that children under 6 years of age still cannot differentiate between real or fantasy. The Montessori philosophy recommends that for young children storybooks do not include fantasy.
Montessori philosophy advises using books where pictures or drawings resemble reality.
Simplicity in design. As with the materials used for learning activities, it is suggested that the books keep that simplicity. It is considered that the child does not need to be over-stimulated to enjoy a book.
Should choose stories that cultivate values.