Welcome to “Read, Learn, Grow…” This blog is dedicated to inspiring a lifelong love of reading in children. It is my goal to encourage your children to become avid readers whether on their own or through being read to at a younger age.
The most important gift you can give your child is an education. All parents want their children to be bright and inquisitive; looking at all times to discover the world around them. We want to give them the best opportunity to succeed in life. That is likely why parents spend so much time choosing the right school for their kids and making sure that the programs offered and teachers are the very best they can be. But as parents, you can go beyond what is learned in school on a daily basis by making reading an integral part of your child’s life at home.
As a toddler, reading can be seen as a nurturing experience. “One of the primary benefits of reading to toddlers and preschoolers is a higher aptitude for learning in general. Numerous studies have shown that students who are exposed to reading before preschool are more likely to do well in all facets of formal education. After all, if a student struggles to put together words and sentences, how can he be expected to grasp the math, science, and social concepts he’ll be presented with when he begins elementary school?”
Reading also teaches your child to think critically and learn enunciation skills as reading reinforces basic sounds and language. Reading to younger children encourages them to express themselves in a healthy way. “By witnessing the interactions between the characters in the books you read, as well as the contact with you during story time, your child is gaining valuable communication skills.”
Reading to young children also increases their ability to grasp concepts and apply logic to differing scenarios and become more engaged in the world around them. “Along with reading comprehension comes a stronger self-discipline, longer attention span, and better memory retention, all of which will serve your child well when he enters school.”
Additionally, early reading helps children look at it as a fun experience rather than a chore. They might even be inspired to choose books over video games or television.
Children also need to understand that reading is key to their future success. One way for them to learn this is by seeing those around them reading. Parents should be aware that picking up a newspaper or magazine in front of their child is just as important as reading to them. Adults should explain to their children why exactly reading is important – that it builds their vocabulary and comprehension of the world around them. “When children see firsthand that adults are still learning it opens the door for them to accept learning as well.”
In realistic terms, reading is fundamental to function in today's society – it is a vital skill in finding a good job. Reading is important because it develops the mind – a muscle that needs exercise. We discover new things through reading and develop our imaginations and creative selves.
Lastly and possibly most importantly, reading can open up new worlds and enrich children’s lives. Reading opens doors to information. Children can learn about other parts of the world – cultures and people that are different from those they see around them on a daily basis. “Through stories and novels children can vicariously try out new experiences and test new ideas, with no negative consequences in their real lives. They can meet characters who they'll enjoy returning to for comforting and satisfying visits when they reread a cherished book or discover a sequel.”
Don’t forget, children are influenced by and imitate the world around them. Books can have a positive impact on children – teaching them to respect and care about others and think critically about their own environments.
