Are you a kind of parent who has given a great deal of print experience to your child right from babyhood? Or you are a parent who wants to read but have no time? Or you fall into the category of that parent who is oblivious to the benefits of reading?
Don’t fret!
Whatever category you fall in, this article on reading benefits and action points will help you get started if you are new to the reading bandwagon or help you enhance the reading experience that you already offer to your child.
A good book can offer lots of benefits and helps develop many skills in young children.
One of these benefits is enhanced vocabulary development. When we talk to children, we often use repetitive and limited vocabulary that’s there in our vocabulary bank. That really doesn’t do much for young children. But when children are read books, they hear new words which in turn enhance their spoken and written language. One very easy tip to use when talking with your children is to consciously do away with words like nice, good, sad, happy and replace them with words like awesome, fantastic, glum and joyful to begin with and see the difference in your child’s vocabulary.
Action point:
When you read a book with your child, highlight few words that you think are new for your child. Write them down on slips of paper (not more than 2-3 words to start with) or draw the picture if your child is too young to read. Discuss the meaning and definition of each word. The next day, make it a game by bringing out those slips of paper and spreading them on a table. Give your child a torch/flashlight/finger light, say the definition of the word and let your child highlight that word/picture with the torch. Simple and very doable!
Another super benefit of reading to your children is that it boosts focus, concentration and listening skills. When you read a book to your child, you should sit or lie down in a comfortable place. Reading time should be relaxing! Help children get comfortable too and start reading. When children are relaxed, they tend to focus better. Most children’s books capture the interest of children with their colourful illustrations and interesting story lines. Reading such books helps them to stay still for longer periods of time. Focusing also helps them to listen better.
Action Point:
Try this listening game with your children and help hone the listening skills. Read the story once and frame 2-3 questions that you would want to ask your child after reading the book. Tell your child to look out for the answers when you are reading. Ask the questions after the story is finished and see whether your child was able to give you the answers.
It’s no new knowledge that reading books sparks learning. Books come in a variety of topics. You can read to children about different cultures/people/languages to expand their learning. There are a variety of topics that might interest them like dinosaurs, construction vehicles, pets, planets, sea life, nature…the list could go on. Gauge their interest or simply start by reading age appropriate books on topics that interest you.
Action point:
Want to know if children understand the book that you are reading to them? Then, simply ask them to retell the story in their own words. But try this after you have read them the book at least 2 to 3 times.
And who doesn’t like imaginative, creative, out of the box thinkers? Reading books is a simple step towards making your kids all of that. Books offer a variety of scenarios, different characters that help children step into that world with their imagination. A book excites, appeals and entertains young children. So pick up that book now and start reading!
Action point:
Use voice modulation when reading with your children. Adding high and low voiced pitch will keep them engaged. When using the same stories, add puppets, story sequencing cards to make the book more fun and appealing.
And last but not least, in this fast paced world where we always short on time, we still want to bond with our children. And the best, most time effective way ( it doesn’t take more than 5-10 minutes every day to read to your child ), the most cost effective way to nurture the relationship with your child is to read books together. It can be that one constant in your life, that one routine and schedule that is so simple to follow that will reap benefits of a life time.
Action Point:
Plan out a time in the day that you would want to read with your child. And stick with it, until it becomes a habit.
Happy Reading!
Such an important point. Reading is the key foundation to any kind of learning for a child.