Oh the choices!

Choice can be fruitful. It can also be overwhelming.

I find every part of early years and home education requires discernment and choice.

As a result, it means that everyone's learning journey is unique. 

The resources available are vast, even books can be a minefield. It is arguably one of the most important umbrella resources.

Yet parents can be left feeling bewildered and uncertain which direction to choose.

The prospect of teaching our child to read can be scary. We can get caught up in the 'what ifs' and fear. 

After all, reading is a crucial life/survival skill, not just an academic one, which might not be used. 

I narrowed down the overwhelming choice by following a set formula. 

1) Place your child at the centre and modify this template to showcase their personal interests.

2) The Classics. Every culture will have their own personal children's classics. Thus it is subjective to a degree.This genre for myself includes Beatrix Potter, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Spot The Dog, We're Going On A Bear Hunt and Winnie The Pooh.

These are the books I felt compelled to read to my children, as if they were a rite of passage.

3) The nostalgic collection. The favourites from your childhood. These include, in our instance, Fireman Sam, Heidi, Thomas The Tank Engine, and Babar The Elephant. You may also have favourite childhood authors you cannot wait to share with your child.  

4) The modern collection. This will alter generation to generation. Today we have the distraction of ipads, and a far greater selection of children's shows. Most parents allow these to varying degrees in their children's lives. Understandably, children can fall in love with their particular favourite shows and then may shy away from more classic stories. 

The overall goal here with this formula is to introduce an eclectic, unique range of books to your child, including personal interest, culture, and parental influence. 

However be smart as well. Do not see the screen characters as a distraction or the enemy in your goal here, but include them and team up with them in your cunning plan. 

Peppa pig, Bluey, Pj Masks, Sophia The First, Blippi, Marvel and so many more can help you make the written word appealing to an entirely different level.

5) The educational collection. I personally included this range into the mix gently and without a massive fanfare. My children grew up thinking The Three Little Pigs, and the Baby Loves Science range were one of the same.

Science in general and the animal kingdom are consequently major interests and encyclopedias are read for pleasure. 

It's not learning to them. They now have the nostalgic link of being tucked into bed with both Snore and Baby Loves Thermal Dynamics.

6) Reading is reading. Do not be close minded to just books. Annuals, comics, magazines, Pokemon cards, subtitles, recipes, street signs are valid and vital reading sources if that's where your child's interest lies.