When we think of picture books, we often picture colorful books for young children. However, Suki, an early childhood teacher at the P. C. Lee OneSky Global Centre for Early Childhood Development, emphasizes that picture books are great for both adults and children. They are excellent tools for boosting parent-child interaction and offering various experiences for young children. Adults can also find joy and inspiration in them. Recently, the Centre has expanded its picture book classes to include sessions for adults only, in addition to the parent-child classes. Suki has noticed that parents sometimes connect more deeply with picture books than their children do.

Some adults feel that picture books aren’t meant for them, assuming they should only read text. However, picture books cover a wide range of topics, including emotions, history, ecology, and social issues. Some resonate with adults, while others are specifically created for them, featuring more abstract themes and deeper meanings.

Suki explained, “In parent-child classes, the presence of children can distract parents from fully understanding the picture books. Often, the children’s reactions influence how parents perceive the stories. However, when caregivers revisit these picture books in adult classes, their feelings can change completely.”

People of all ages have unique understandings and feelings about the same story. Suki once led a parent picture book class featuring “The Grand Hotel of Feelings.” She said, “After reading the book, parents realize that everyone experiences different emotions. While I cannot help parents manage their feelings, I hope picture books can help them understand themselves better.”

Many parents tend to abandon their personal interests after having children, particularly those who enjoy art or reading. For example, some parents who love to draw might not have touched a brush in a long time due to their hectic schedules. To help caregivers reconnect with their interests, Suki plans activities related to the book, such as water coloring and collaging, after the reading time. This gives the caregivers a chance to explore their creativity again.

The picture book classes give caregivers a valuable chance to rediscover the joy of reading while also teaching them how to read with young children.

Suki said, “Sometimes, when parents read picture books with young children, they may rush through the reading and not take time to understand the content first. Often, parents focus on finishing the task or teaching kids to recognize words. However, picture books are full of fun, and reading can be a delightful experience.”

“I want to share how storytelling can be with parents. For example, I encourage them to add expressions and actions when telling stories. They may not know how, then I show them how to act out a story, and parents don’t need to copy me exactly; they can observe and create their own style. Besides adding actions, parents can also point out characters in the illustrations with their children or even incorporate music and lighting effects during reading. When parents ask more questions, it helps them understand their children better: ‘Oh, this is how you see this book, but I have different ideas.’ Parents are often surprised by the many ways to use picture books. Lively storytelling and asking questions help children connect more deeply with the story and, more importantly, encourage them to love reading instead of being bored by it.”

Suki said, “Reading is a wonderful activity for parents and children that helps parents understand their children’s emotions, inner world, and daily lives. It may seem like a quiet activity, but it can nurture personal qualities and enhance learning and comprehension skills.”

In today’s world, where electronic products are everywhere, should parents let their children read e-books? While e-books are convenient, Suki believes that physical books have a unique charm. She said, “Physical books let readers feel the texture of the paper, and each one has its own touch and smell. For children, being able to touch, smell, and even hear the pages turning offers a great sensory experience. Plus, there are many types of picture books, like board books and pop-up books, that offer experiences and joys that electronic devices just can’t replicate.”

Reading allows caregivers and young children to spend more quality time together and enhances their interaction. For adults, reading picture books can lead to greater self-awareness and insight. OneSky is dedicated to creating a space that encourages reading. We offer themed classes that include reading activities and volunteers who share different picture books with children. The center also features various areas where caregivers and children can read or borrow books to enjoy at home at their own pace.

The P. C. Lee OneSky Global Centre offers a variety of weekly activity and thematic classes tailored for young children’s developmental milestones and growth. We invite families with children ages 0-6 years old to join us. Please click the link to become a member.

Childcaring is an all-consuming, exhausting job that leaves little time for caregivers. Taking care of one’s physical and mental health should be a top priority for caregivers. OneSky’s Community Living Room in Sham Shui Po understands this need and opens a Wellness Room dedicated to empowering caregivers to focus on health and self-care.

While many fitness facilities exist, it is not simple for caregivers of children aged 0-6 to put their little ones down to work out. Physical activity is particularly important for caregivers since they regularly have to tote and go along with children for extended periods, run errands, and handle household tasks. Caregivers often feel worn out, and keeping up health and body strength is critical for tackling the demands of parenting.

The OneSky Wellness Room houses exercise equipment such as an exercise bike and a rowing machine, allowing caregivers to squeeze in a quick sweat session. The spacious design also allows easy options like yoga and stretching. Digital scales and blood pressure monitors are also ready to allow users to utilize them.

Regular exercise not only lifts up mood by boosting endorphins but also enhances overall mental and physical health. This is especially beneficial for those juggling the heavy duties of childcare. The Wellness Room creates a sense of community by allowing caregivers to organize their own fitness sessions among the social circle. This precious “me time” helps build social support networks while keeping everyone strong and healthy.

By taking advantage of the Centre’s respite services, caregivers can confidently entrust their children to capable hands, allowing them to focus on their own self-care without any worries.

Instructions:

Time: Monday to Friday, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Saturday, 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Registration: Please register at the front desk on the first floor before use.
Service: Caregivers can book childcare services before using the Wellness Room (except on Saturdays).