Reading Benefits Much More Than Literacy in Children

It's possible that many of us reading this article can recall a time when our family's leisure time involved everyone being absorbed in reading material of some sort. However, the typical scene of a family has changed over the years, with the advent of devices that combine reading material, audiovisual content, and games all in one place.

While technology can also be a great learning tool in a child’s formative years, we need to maintain balance in how our children receive information and interact with their immediate environment. Reading as a family has long-lasting benefits and can set the tone for your child’s relationship with reading in the future.

The first 8 years of a child's life are the most crucial for brain development. During this time, children take in everything from their surroundings, making it essential to model good behaviour and provide a safe learning environment for them.

Let’s have a look at the benefits of daily story reading to your children.

Develops Language

Again, your children absorb everything in their immediate environment. Reading allows them to learn new words and how to pronounce them. Pointing out the words as you’re reading them also helps your children to slowly associate the written word with the spoken word.

Develops Listening Skills

Listening to stories teaches your child comprehension. Comprehension of spoken words is essential to comprehending written words; it is also the difference between a child just being able to identify letters and a child who can read those letters as words and sentences.

Builds Family Connections

Studies show that there are 3 crucial moments in every child’s day that determine strong bonds and healthy emotional development. These are:

• The first 3-5 minutes after they wake up.
• The first 3-5 minutes after your longest separation (after school or when you come home from work).
• The last 3-5 minutes before they go to sleep.

Incorporating reading into your child’s bedtime routine is a great way to create a positive relationship with reading, as well as connecting with parents and siblings as they enjoy the story together

Teaches Life Lessons

Books featuring relatable characters and real-world scenarios can help children better understand and cope with various situations they may encounter. When children read about characters their own age doing everyday things, it can provide a sense of comfort and familiarity, and help them feel less alone. For example, books about going to a new school or a visit to the doctor can help prepare children for new experiences, and give them a better understanding of what to expect.

Expands Creativity

Reading fictional books to your child can introduce them to a whole new world of imagination. There is a vast range of fictional books available, from tales about talking pets, dinosaurs, bugs, and fairytales, which can help children think outside the box and stimulate their creativity. As they grow older, children with vivid imaginations can further develop their creativity, which is essential for their future interests and ideas.

So, don’t skip the bedtime story, even if it’s short and sweet. Encourage your children’s reading and use it as the perfect opportunity to spend a bit of quality time with them, even when the days get very busy.