Why is reading to a child recommended?

12:00:00 PICT Model School 0 Comments

For years, pediatricians and child psychologists have recommended reading to children and for all the right reasons, too! It is the most brilliant way to develop their language while also improving their left brain functions, self-confidence, which, inevitably, leads to higher literacy.

Reading to your child from a very young age has multiple benefits, some of which are mentioned below.

Boosts school readiness:

An average child reads for 20 minutes every day and is exposed to about 1.8 million words of text every year. That is 137 new words per minute! They absorb information on how to structure sentences and how to use words effectively in their writing and speaking. When you read to your child, it helps build their vocabulary, literacy skills and language. It also helps to improve concentration, memory and builds curiosity.

Promotes academic success:

It's been proven through scientific studies that children who grow up with lots of books at home become more inquisitive and tend to explore deeper in any field they choose. Furthermore, they do better not only in school academics but also in verbal and nonverbal tests. Books are more than just an additional source of information as they provide information beyond what are taught by parents, teachers and peers. Reading promotes reflection time for young children to analyse their learning and therefore, achieve better across the curriculum.

Cultivates a love for books:

Reading together lazily crouching on the sofa, reading bedtimes stories or visiting the library are just some ways a parent can spend time together with their child. It helps to build a strong relationship with the child. You can cuddle up with your child with a good book and discuss on various fictitious and factual themes. It will help to promote construction of knowledge and in development of critical thinking. It will also help the child realise that reading is not just a part of studies, but something that can be enjoyed and can be taken as a pleasurable hobby.

Develops empathy:

As children grow, they begin to imagine how they would feel in certain situations. If children lack the language to share feelings, it’s hard for them to understand each other and communicate effectively. Neuroscientist and Researchers at Emory University, Atlanta, says that fiction tricks our brains into thinking we are part of the story. The empathy we feel for characters wires our brains to have the same sensitivity towards real people.

Teaching your child to read early has multiple benefits and is the key to your child's academic future. This is exactly why parents must encourage this custom and commence reading to their child right from their birth. If you, as a parent, don’t know where to begin, here’s a list of book selections compiled for you to check out: www.readaloud.org/bookselections.html. There are a variety of books for children of different age groups and are full of amazing stories and good morals which can make an impact on their lives.