Storytelling for Your Host Children, It's Not That Simple

by Chang LiReading time: 2 min.

What can reading bring to an Au Pair?

Reading is indeed a powerful tool that significantly contributes to a child's overall development. It fosters their imagination, enhances their cognition, and improves their language skills. It's an activity that doesn't just entertain but educates and broadens a child's perspective about the world.

As an Au Pair, reading to your host kids presents a unique opportunity for creating shared experiences. These shared experiences, in turn, build a solid foundation for a nurturing and trusting relationship with the kids. They begin to see you as a source of comfort and learning, strengthening your bond with them. This relationship is essential, as it ensures a positive and fruitful experience throughout your stay with the Host Family.

Reading in a foreign language, however, can be a challenging task. But, as an Au Pair, it's an opportunity for you to improve your language skills. Reading children's books in the local dialect can help you understand the language better, as they are usually written in simple and easy-to-understand language. You can learn new words, phrases, idioms, and even colloquial language that is commonly used in everyday conversation. This can significantly improve your communication skills, making it easier for you to interact with not just the kids, but also the adults in the host country.

Moreover, reading aloud can also improve your pronunciation and intonation. It helps you practise the natural rhythm and flow of the language, improving your fluency over time. You can also learn how to express different emotions through language by reading stories with varying moods and tones.

If you would like to read with your host kids

As an Au Pair, the role you play in your host kids' lives transcends theordinary boundaries of a caregiver. You are not simply a guardian, but a guiding light, a fountain of knowledge, and a companion in their journey of life. Each story you read, each character you introduce, and each plot you unfold is not merely a bedtime ritual, but a powerful tool to inculcate in them a love for literature, a thirst for knowledge, and a spark of curiosity.

In this transformative role, you are privy to the magical process of their blossoming minds, their evolving creativity, and their burgeoning curiosity. Each day, you witness the pages of their lives unfurl, revealing new chapters of growth and learning. This is not just about keeping them safe and engaged, but about kindling their imagination, nurturing their potential, and igniting their passion for learning.

The reward in this journey is unparalleled. As you see them grow, learn, and evolve, you feel an immense sense of fulfillment. You are not just observing their journey, but actively participating in it, shaping their perspectives, and contributing to their narratives. This role is more than just a job, it is a beautiful voyage of discovery, growth, and mutual learning.

In conclusion, reading to your host kids as an Au Pair can be an enriching experience. It not only strengthens your bond with the kids but also improves your language skills, making your stay in the host country a memorable and fulfilling one. So, pick up a book, and let the magic of stories bring you and your host kids closer together.

Some easy reads to get started

Here are some book recommendations that can not only entertain your host kids but also help you in your language learning journey.

1. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle:

This classic children's book is great for young children. Its engaging illustrations and simple text make it perfect for early readers. The story about a caterpillar turning into a beautiful butterfly can also serve as an excellent tool for teaching children about the life cycle of butterflies.

2. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak:

A delightful adventure that encourages the imagination to run wild, this book is perfect for older children. Reading this book together will not just improve your reading skills but also give you an opportunity to discuss the story's underlying themes with your host kid.

3. The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson:

This rhyming story of a clever little mouse outsmarting a mythical creature is a hit among children. The rhythmic tone of the book can help you improve your pronunciation and intonation.

4. Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney:

These books not only entertain but also provide a great way to understand the culture and everyday language. The story revolves around a middle-school kid and his everyday adventures, making it relatable and exciting for kids.

Reading to your host kids is a rewarding experience that strengthens your bond and helps you immerse in the local culture better. It's not just about the language improvement; it's about the shared moments of laughter, curiosity, and learning that really count.

So, go ahead, delve into the world of books, select a captivating story that will whisk both you and your host kids into a realm of imagination. Get comfortable in your favorite reading spot, be it a cozy corner in their room, under the shade of an old tree in the backyard, or a soft blanket fort. Open the book, let the scent of the pages fill the air, and begin a new adventure.