Importance of reading to kids: The importance of reading to kids daily

Why It’s So Important and How to Start

Babies and young children are sponges that soak in practically everything in their environments. It’s true! Even during story time, their minds are at work, taking in all the language they hear and lessons the characters learn.

Reading to your child — at any age — will boost their brain development, your bond, and so much more. And all it takes is a few books, motivation, and a little time.

Here’s how to get started.

First, set the scene in your head. You choose a book. You sit down in your favorite armchair, with your child in your lap, and open to the first of many smooth, colorful pages.

You begin to read, and your child is utterly captivated by the story. It’s magic. What’s even better is that your child isn’t just having fun, they’re learning!

Reality may look a little different: Just know you’re not alone if your baby tries to eat the book or your toddler wanders around the room instead of sitting patiently. But the benefits of reading remain the same.

Bonding

Reading provides a wonderful opportunity for you and your child to connect. It’s a nice way to spend time together and slow down during an otherwise hectic day.

Research from 2008 pointed out how reading can support a solid parent-child relationship. Kids feel secure when they’re read to. Plus, caregivers who have a positive attitude toward books and reading in turn help their children view literacy in a positive way.

Listening skills

Hearing a story read aloud involves some level of comprehension on your child’s part. And comprehension is dependent on paying attention — in other words, listening skills.

The experts at Scholastic explain that listening is a skill kids must acquire before they can read themselves.

They suggest that books on tape are a great addition to reading one-on-one with your child. These often provide entertainment value, too, like silly voices, music, and other embellishments.

Cognitive and language development

Even the youngest children benefit from hearing their caregivers read to them. A 2013 study showed that babies who are read to and talked to score higher in language skills and cognitive development, like problem solving.

Research from 2018 suggests that this link extends throughout childhood into the teen years. In fact, researchers say that verbal interactions (reading, talking, etc.) between parents and young kids may promote higher language and IQ scores all the way up to age 14.

Expanded vocabulary

Experts from the National Center on Early Childhood Development, Teaching and Learning also explain that reading books to kids helps expand the number and variety of words they use. Think about it: The books you read often contain words you might not otherwise use in your everyday communications.

While reading a book, you might end up using more specific names for different plants or animals or use more adjectives (descriptive words) altogether. And this adds up.

One 2019 study estimated that children who are regularly read to in the 5 years leading up to kindergarten are exposed to 1.4 million more words than children who aren’t read to during those years.

Attention span

Dinah Castro, a bilingual family well-being educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension, shares that reading to children helps them develop key concentration and self-discipline skills.

You’ve probably dealt with a squirming, distracted toddler at story hour. But what you may also notice is that — over time — regular reading gets kids listening in order to comprehend.

And when they’re listening, they’re more likely to sit still, develop a longer attention span, and even work on their budding memory-retention skills.

Creativity

Books and stories open up a whole new world to your child. Yes, there are plenty of nonfiction books on dinosaurs, bugs, and airplanes. Fiction stories, though, go beyond the real world and employ fantasy elements that get kids thinking outside the box.

Children have vivid imaginations as is, so reading serves to further feed their creativity. And experts at PBS note that creativity is important for developing interests and ideas, as well as for fostering emotional health.

Life lessons

Books provide an opportunity to talk about real-world situations in age-appropriate ways. Kids especially enjoy books that feature children their own ages doing things they do in everyday life.

Along with modeling what happens in various situations, reading books on targeted subjects may help children not feel alone when they deal with something new, like moving across the country, or something potentially uncomfortable, like going to the dentist.

Social and emotional development

Castro also says that reading to young children teaches them how to cope with “difficult or stressful experiences.” She further explains that reading stories about potentially emotional situations, like starting at a new school, can help get a conversation going and show children that their feelings are normal.

Start today! Babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and even older children all benefit from having a caregiver read to them. You don’t even need a large personal library of books to get started.

Think beyond the store — you can find a wide variety of books at your local library, secondhand shop, or Little Free Library. You can even encourage your child to borrow books from and lend them to their friends.

The youngest babies (under 6 months old) benefit from books that have simple but bold or bright images with lots of contrast. Talk to your baby as you look at the books, but words on the page aren’t necessary.

As they get a bit older (7 to 12 months), you may want to expand your collection to books with simple phrases or just a line of text that relates to the picture on the page.

Babies ages 12 to 18 months may find books with pictures of other children doing everyday things interesting. Same goes for books that have animals, television characters, or other familiar scenes in them. For this age group, you may look for books that have more detailed pictures and a simple story or progression of events.

As your baby starts to babble and eventually talk, try involving them in what they see on the page.

For example, point to a picture and ask “What’s that?” or declare “That’s a banana!” to get your child engaging with the book. Keep it positive and try to repeat your child’s words back to them (“Yes — that looks like a cat, but it’s actually a squirrel!”).

There are lots of books, so try not to get too overwhelmed. Nursery rhymes, especially ones you might have memorized, are a good choice for babies.

And as far as construction, look for sturdy books that are made from cardboard (board books), fabric, or vinyl. Books with handles are also fun and let your baby transition from reading time to play time.

Kids between the ages of 19 and 30 months also enjoy books that feature familiar characters.

At this age, they tend to favor books with lots of action, pictures, and details versus lots of words on the page. Look for books that contain short stories, particularly those with cause-and-effect relationships or a problem that the characters must work to overcome.

Repetition is important at this age, so try to find books that allow you to rhyme, sing, or otherwise repeat the text in some way. While you’re at it, take some time to pause as you read books with repetition to see if your little one fills in the blank.

You may also want to take time to draw connections between a main character and your child. For example, you might point out, “He’s sleeping in a big boy bed, just like you!”

By the way, you can start introducing books made with paper pages versus board books at this age. Just be sure to supervise to guard against your child ripping the pages.

Preschoolers and elementary school-aged kids have a wide range of reading abilities. It’s a good idea to take their lead when it comes to simple versus complex books.

Younger kids (and even some older ones) may still appreciate pictures with little text. That said, you can start introducing stories that have more complex plots in them and books with more words than pictures — even chapter books.

As your child begins reading on their own, you might involve them in the process of reading together by asking them to read words or sentences out loud along the way. This is great practice.

Ask questions as you move through the text, too — you don’t have to wait until the end of the book or chapter to check your child’s comprehension. Try open-ended questions like “What do you think might happen next?” These will help your child delve deeper, rather than surface questions like “What color is the house?”

Experts recommend engaging in literacy activities (like reading) for around 30 minutes per day. But you can also think outside the book here.

Try reading traffic signs or cereal boxes, singing songs, listening to audiobooks together, or having your child read to you to the best of their ability. It’s all good.

Librarian Donna Jeansonne says that you shouldn’t stop reading to your child once they learn to read themselves. While independent reading is certainly important, reading out loud to kids as old as age 14 still holds benefits, both academically and emotionally.

At this age, it’s about your older child’s reading fluency and comprehension. It may be helpful for them to follow along in the book as you read. And consider asking questions about the text to gauge their comprehension.

Again, all you really need to do is take the time to read to your child. It’s truly as simple as that. However, you might be wondering how to make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.

Here are some tips:

• Be consistent. Whether it’s one book per day or 15, try to make reading a part of your regular routine. And while you’re at it, you don’t have to read different books each time you sit down. Kids love hearing the same stories over and over again — and they learn through this type of repetition.
• Take your time. Be sure to leave enough time to read versus sneaking it in or — worse — making it a chore. Of course, you won’t have loads of time each day to read, so some quickies are just fine. However, your child should see reading as a dedicated activity and one that you give your full attention to.
• Make it fun. Use different voices for characters, pauses, songs, or other dramatics to make the story come to life. Reading with flair will help your child better understand the story. It also provides a good model of expressive and fluent reading for kids who have begun reading by themselves.
• Point out connections. Children love applying stories to their own lives. It not only makes the text more meaningful, but it also may help your child cope with different situations they encounter in their everyday experience. Point out those connections to your child. Note where the character was brave about that monster beneath their bed. Applaud the character who used the potty for the first time.
• Don’t stop with books. Any exchange of words is beneficial to kids. So, if you’re uninspired by books one night, turn to telling stories. You can also look at pictures and talk about what you see or ask your child to be the storyteller. Anything that gets language flowing between you and your child is golden.

When it comes to early literacy and language skills, both the quality and quantity of the words you speak to your child matter. Books provide an excellent opportunity to get talking, telling stories, and connecting with your little one.

If you still don’t know exactly how to start, consider hitting up your local library and chatting with a librarian in the children’s department. You can get book suggestions, take out books and other media for free, and sign up for events (like in-person or virtual story hours) that’ll get your whole family inspired to read.

Why It’s So Important and How to Start

Babies and young children are sponges that soak in practically everything in their environments. It’s true! Even during story time, their minds are at work, taking in all the language they hear and lessons the characters learn.

Reading to your child — at any age — will boost their brain development, your bond, and so much more. And all it takes is a few books, motivation, and a little time.

Here’s how to get started.

First, set the scene in your head. You choose a book. You sit down in your favorite armchair, with your child in your lap, and open to the first of many smooth, colorful pages.

You begin to read, and your child is utterly captivated by the story. It’s magic. What’s even better is that your child isn’t just having fun, they’re learning!

Reality may look a little different: Just know you’re not alone if your baby tries to eat the book or your toddler wanders around the room instead of sitting patiently. But the benefits of reading remain the same.

Bonding

Reading provides a wonderful opportunity for you and your child to connect. It’s a nice way to spend time together and slow down during an otherwise hectic day.

Research from 2008 pointed out how reading can support a solid parent-child relationship. Kids feel secure when they’re read to. Plus, caregivers who have a positive attitude toward books and reading in turn help their children view literacy in a positive way.

Listening skills

Hearing a story read aloud involves some level of comprehension on your child’s part. And comprehension is dependent on paying attention — in other words, listening skills.

The experts at Scholastic explain that listening is a skill kids must acquire before they can read themselves.

They suggest that books on tape are a great addition to reading one-on-one with your child. These often provide entertainment value, too, like silly voices, music, and other embellishments.

Cognitive and language development

Even the youngest children benefit from hearing their caregivers read to them. A 2013 study showed that babies who are read to and talked to score higher in language skills and cognitive development, like problem solving.

Research from 2018 suggests that this link extends throughout childhood into the teen years. In fact, researchers say that verbal interactions (reading, talking, etc.) between parents and young kids may promote higher language and IQ scores all the way up to age 14.

Expanded vocabulary

Experts from the National Center on Early Childhood Development, Teaching and Learning also explain that reading books to kids helps expand the number and variety of words they use. Think about it: The books you read often contain words you might not otherwise use in your everyday communications.

While reading a book, you might end up using more specific names for different plants or animals or use more adjectives (descriptive words) altogether. And this adds up.

One 2019 study estimated that children who are regularly read to in the 5 years leading up to kindergarten are exposed to 1.4 million more words than children who aren’t read to during those years.

Attention span

Dinah Castro, a bilingual family well-being educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension, shares that reading to children helps them develop key concentration and self-discipline skills.

You’ve probably dealt with a squirming, distracted toddler at story hour. But what you may also notice is that — over time — regular reading gets kids listening in order to comprehend.

And when they’re listening, they’re more likely to sit still, develop a longer attention span, and even work on their budding memory-retention skills.

Creativity

Books and stories open up a whole new world to your child. Yes, there are plenty of nonfiction books on dinosaurs, bugs, and airplanes. Fiction stories, though, go beyond the real world and employ fantasy elements that get kids thinking outside the box.

Children have vivid imaginations as is, so reading serves to further feed their creativity. And experts at PBS note that creativity is important for developing interests and ideas, as well as for fostering emotional health.

Life lessons

Books provide an opportunity to talk about real-world situations in age-appropriate ways. Kids especially enjoy books that feature children their own ages doing things they do in everyday life.

Along with modeling what happens in various situations, reading books on targeted subjects may help children not feel alone when they deal with something new, like moving across the country, or something potentially uncomfortable, like going to the dentist.

Social and emotional development

Castro also says that reading to young children teaches them how to cope with “difficult or stressful experiences.” She further explains that reading stories about potentially emotional situations, like starting at a new school, can help get a conversation going and show children that their feelings are normal.

Start today! Babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and even older children all benefit from having a caregiver read to them. You don’t even need a large personal library of books to get started.

Think beyond the store — you can find a wide variety of books at your local library, secondhand shop, or Little Free Library. You can even encourage your child to borrow books from and lend them to their friends.

The youngest babies (under 6 months old) benefit from books that have simple but bold or bright images with lots of contrast. Talk to your baby as you look at the books, but words on the page aren’t necessary.

As they get a bit older (7 to 12 months), you may want to expand your collection to books with simple phrases or just a line of text that relates to the picture on the page.

Babies ages 12 to 18 months may find books with pictures of other children doing everyday things interesting. Same goes for books that have animals, television characters, or other familiar scenes in them. For this age group, you may look for books that have more detailed pictures and a simple story or progression of events.

As your baby starts to babble and eventually talk, try involving them in what they see on the page.

For example, point to a picture and ask “What’s that?” or declare “That’s a banana!” to get your child engaging with the book. Keep it positive and try to repeat your child’s words back to them (“Yes — that looks like a cat, but it’s actually a squirrel!”).

There are lots of books, so try not to get too overwhelmed. Nursery rhymes, especially ones you might have memorized, are a good choice for babies.

And as far as construction, look for sturdy books that are made from cardboard (board books), fabric, or vinyl. Books with handles are also fun and let your baby transition from reading time to play time.

Kids between the ages of 19 and 30 months also enjoy books that feature familiar characters.

At this age, they tend to favor books with lots of action, pictures, and details versus lots of words on the page. Look for books that contain short stories, particularly those with cause-and-effect relationships or a problem that the characters must work to overcome.

Repetition is important at this age, so try to find books that allow you to rhyme, sing, or otherwise repeat the text in some way. While you’re at it, take some time to pause as you read books with repetition to see if your little one fills in the blank.

You may also want to take time to draw connections between a main character and your child. For example, you might point out, “He’s sleeping in a big boy bed, just like you!”

By the way, you can start introducing books made with paper pages versus board books at this age. Just be sure to supervise to guard against your child ripping the pages.

Preschoolers and elementary school-aged kids have a wide range of reading abilities. It’s a good idea to take their lead when it comes to simple versus complex books.

Younger kids (and even some older ones) may still appreciate pictures with little text. That said, you can start introducing stories that have more complex plots in them and books with more words than pictures — even chapter books.

As your child begins reading on their own, you might involve them in the process of reading together by asking them to read words or sentences out loud along the way. This is great practice.

Ask questions as you move through the text, too — you don’t have to wait until the end of the book or chapter to check your child’s comprehension. Try open-ended questions like “What do you think might happen next?” These will help your child delve deeper, rather than surface questions like “What color is the house?”

Experts recommend engaging in literacy activities (like reading) for around 30 minutes per day. But you can also think outside the book here.

Try reading traffic signs or cereal boxes, singing songs, listening to audiobooks together, or having your child read to you to the best of their ability. It’s all good.

Librarian Donna Jeansonne says that you shouldn’t stop reading to your child once they learn to read themselves. While independent reading is certainly important, reading out loud to kids as old as age 14 still holds benefits, both academically and emotionally.

At this age, it’s about your older child’s reading fluency and comprehension. It may be helpful for them to follow along in the book as you read. And consider asking questions about the text to gauge their comprehension.

Again, all you really need to do is take the time to read to your child. It’s truly as simple as that. However, you might be wondering how to make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.

Here are some tips:

• Be consistent. Whether it’s one book per day or 15, try to make reading a part of your regular routine. And while you’re at it, you don’t have to read different books each time you sit down. Kids love hearing the same stories over and over again — and they learn through this type of repetition.
• Take your time. Be sure to leave enough time to read versus sneaking it in or — worse — making it a chore. Of course, you won’t have loads of time each day to read, so some quickies are just fine. However, your child should see reading as a dedicated activity and one that you give your full attention to.
• Make it fun. Use different voices for characters, pauses, songs, or other dramatics to make the story come to life. Reading with flair will help your child better understand the story. It also provides a good model of expressive and fluent reading for kids who have begun reading by themselves.
• Point out connections. Children love applying stories to their own lives. It not only makes the text more meaningful, but it also may help your child cope with different situations they encounter in their everyday experience. Point out those connections to your child. Note where the character was brave about that monster beneath their bed. Applaud the character who used the potty for the first time.
• Don’t stop with books. Any exchange of words is beneficial to kids. So, if you’re uninspired by books one night, turn to telling stories. You can also look at pictures and talk about what you see or ask your child to be the storyteller. Anything that gets language flowing between you and your child is golden.

When it comes to early literacy and language skills, both the quality and quantity of the words you speak to your child matter. Books provide an excellent opportunity to get talking, telling stories, and connecting with your little one.

If you still don’t know exactly how to start, consider hitting up your local library and chatting with a librarian in the children’s department. You can get book suggestions, take out books and other media for free, and sign up for events (like in-person or virtual story hours) that’ll get your whole family inspired to read.

Why It’s So Important and How to Start

Babies and young children are sponges that soak in practically everything in their environments. It’s true! Even during story time, their minds are at work, taking in all the language they hear and lessons the characters learn.

Reading to your child — at any age — will boost their brain development, your bond, and so much more. And all it takes is a few books, motivation, and a little time.

Here’s how to get started.

First, set the scene in your head. You choose a book. You sit down in your favorite armchair, with your child in your lap, and open to the first of many smooth, colorful pages.

You begin to read, and your child is utterly captivated by the story. It’s magic. What’s even better is that your child isn’t just having fun, they’re learning!

Reality may look a little different: Just know you’re not alone if your baby tries to eat the book or your toddler wanders around the room instead of sitting patiently. But the benefits of reading remain the same.

Bonding

Reading provides a wonderful opportunity for you and your child to connect. It’s a nice way to spend time together and slow down during an otherwise hectic day.

Research from 2008 pointed out how reading can support a solid parent-child relationship. Kids feel secure when they’re read to. Plus, caregivers who have a positive attitude toward books and reading in turn help their children view literacy in a positive way.

Listening skills

Hearing a story read aloud involves some level of comprehension on your child’s part. And comprehension is dependent on paying attention — in other words, listening skills.

The experts at Scholastic explain that listening is a skill kids must acquire before they can read themselves.

They suggest that books on tape are a great addition to reading one-on-one with your child. These often provide entertainment value, too, like silly voices, music, and other embellishments.

Cognitive and language development

Even the youngest children benefit from hearing their caregivers read to them. A 2013 study showed that babies who are read to and talked to score higher in language skills and cognitive development, like problem solving.

Research from 2018 suggests that this link extends throughout childhood into the teen years. In fact, researchers say that verbal interactions (reading, talking, etc.) between parents and young kids may promote higher language and IQ scores all the way up to age 14.

Expanded vocabulary

Experts from the National Center on Early Childhood Development, Teaching and Learning also explain that reading books to kids helps expand the number and variety of words they use. Think about it: The books you read often contain words you might not otherwise use in your everyday communications.

While reading a book, you might end up using more specific names for different plants or animals or use more adjectives (descriptive words) altogether. And this adds up.

One 2019 study estimated that children who are regularly read to in the 5 years leading up to kindergarten are exposed to 1.4 million more words than children who aren’t read to during those years.

Attention span

Dinah Castro, a bilingual family well-being educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension, shares that reading to children helps them develop key concentration and self-discipline skills.

You’ve probably dealt with a squirming, distracted toddler at story hour. But what you may also notice is that — over time — regular reading gets kids listening in order to comprehend.

And when they’re listening, they’re more likely to sit still, develop a longer attention span, and even work on their budding memory-retention skills.

Creativity

Books and stories open up a whole new world to your child. Yes, there are plenty of nonfiction books on dinosaurs, bugs, and airplanes. Fiction stories, though, go beyond the real world and employ fantasy elements that get kids thinking outside the box.

Children have vivid imaginations as is, so reading serves to further feed their creativity. And experts at PBS note that creativity is important for developing interests and ideas, as well as for fostering emotional health.

Life lessons

Books provide an opportunity to talk about real-world situations in age-appropriate ways. Kids especially enjoy books that feature children their own ages doing things they do in everyday life.

Along with modeling what happens in various situations, reading books on targeted subjects may help children not feel alone when they deal with something new, like moving across the country, or something potentially uncomfortable, like going to the dentist.

Social and emotional development

Castro also says that reading to young children teaches them how to cope with “difficult or stressful experiences. ” She further explains that reading stories about potentially emotional situations, like starting at a new school, can help get a conversation going and show children that their feelings are normal.

Start today! Babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and even older children all benefit from having a caregiver read to them. You don’t even need a large personal library of books to get started.

Think beyond the store — you can find a wide variety of books at your local library, secondhand shop, or Little Free Library. You can even encourage your child to borrow books from and lend them to their friends.

The youngest babies (under 6 months old) benefit from books that have simple but bold or bright images with lots of contrast. Talk to your baby as you look at the books, but words on the page aren’t necessary.

As they get a bit older (7 to 12 months), you may want to expand your collection to books with simple phrases or just a line of text that relates to the picture on the page.

Babies ages 12 to 18 months may find books with pictures of other children doing everyday things interesting. Same goes for books that have animals, television characters, or other familiar scenes in them. For this age group, you may look for books that have more detailed pictures and a simple story or progression of events.

As your baby starts to babble and eventually talk, try involving them in what they see on the page.

For example, point to a picture and ask “What’s that?” or declare “That’s a banana!” to get your child engaging with the book. Keep it positive and try to repeat your child’s words back to them (“Yes — that looks like a cat, but it’s actually a squirrel!”).

There are lots of books, so try not to get too overwhelmed. Nursery rhymes, especially ones you might have memorized, are a good choice for babies.

And as far as construction, look for sturdy books that are made from cardboard (board books), fabric, or vinyl. Books with handles are also fun and let your baby transition from reading time to play time.

Kids between the ages of 19 and 30 months also enjoy books that feature familiar characters.

At this age, they tend to favor books with lots of action, pictures, and details versus lots of words on the page. Look for books that contain short stories, particularly those with cause-and-effect relationships or a problem that the characters must work to overcome.

Repetition is important at this age, so try to find books that allow you to rhyme, sing, or otherwise repeat the text in some way. While you’re at it, take some time to pause as you read books with repetition to see if your little one fills in the blank.

You may also want to take time to draw connections between a main character and your child. For example, you might point out, “He’s sleeping in a big boy bed, just like you!”

By the way, you can start introducing books made with paper pages versus board books at this age. Just be sure to supervise to guard against your child ripping the pages.

Preschoolers and elementary school-aged kids have a wide range of reading abilities. It’s a good idea to take their lead when it comes to simple versus complex books.

Younger kids (and even some older ones) may still appreciate pictures with little text. That said, you can start introducing stories that have more complex plots in them and books with more words than pictures — even chapter books.

As your child begins reading on their own, you might involve them in the process of reading together by asking them to read words or sentences out loud along the way. This is great practice.

Ask questions as you move through the text, too — you don’t have to wait until the end of the book or chapter to check your child’s comprehension. Try open-ended questions like “What do you think might happen next?” These will help your child delve deeper, rather than surface questions like “What color is the house?”

Experts recommend engaging in literacy activities (like reading) for around 30 minutes per day. But you can also think outside the book here.

Try reading traffic signs or cereal boxes, singing songs, listening to audiobooks together, or having your child read to you to the best of their ability. It’s all good.

Librarian Donna Jeansonne says that you shouldn’t stop reading to your child once they learn to read themselves. While independent reading is certainly important, reading out loud to kids as old as age 14 still holds benefits, both academically and emotionally.

At this age, it’s about your older child’s reading fluency and comprehension. It may be helpful for them to follow along in the book as you read. And consider asking questions about the text to gauge their comprehension.

Again, all you really need to do is take the time to read to your child. It’s truly as simple as that. However, you might be wondering how to make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.

Here are some tips:

• Be consistent. Whether it’s one book per day or 15, try to make reading a part of your regular routine. And while you’re at it, you don’t have to read different books each time you sit down. Kids love hearing the same stories over and over again — and they learn through this type of repetition.
• Take your time. Be sure to leave enough time to read versus sneaking it in or — worse — making it a chore. Of course, you won’t have loads of time each day to read, so some quickies are just fine. However, your child should see reading as a dedicated activity and one that you give your full attention to.
• Make it fun. Use different voices for characters, pauses, songs, or other dramatics to make the story come to life. Reading with flair will help your child better understand the story. It also provides a good model of expressive and fluent reading for kids who have begun reading by themselves.
• Point out connections. Children love applying stories to their own lives. It not only makes the text more meaningful, but it also may help your child cope with different situations they encounter in their everyday experience. Point out those connections to your child. Note where the character was brave about that monster beneath their bed. Applaud the character who used the potty for the first time.
• Don’t stop with books. Any exchange of words is beneficial to kids. So, if you’re uninspired by books one night, turn to telling stories. You can also look at pictures and talk about what you see or ask your child to be the storyteller. Anything that gets language flowing between you and your child is golden.

When it comes to early literacy and language skills, both the quality and quantity of the words you speak to your child matter. Books provide an excellent opportunity to get talking, telling stories, and connecting with your little one.

If you still don’t know exactly how to start, consider hitting up your local library and chatting with a librarian in the children’s department. You can get book suggestions, take out books and other media for free, and sign up for events (like in-person or virtual story hours) that’ll get your whole family inspired to read.

The benefits of reading books for children or how to cultivate curiosity

A wide variety of gadgets, computer games, audio books gradually turns reading as such into an “uninteresting” activity for the younger generation. Instead of fiction, parents buy game consoles for their children, allow them to watch uncontrolled television programs that inhibit brain development. It is much easier to get information from short messages, provided with a mass of visual accompaniment.

By the way, according to the Public Opinion Foundation, Russia has long ceased to be the most reading country, and 44% of citizens have never opened a book in a year. This is understandable – babies are now practically born in hands with a touchscreen phone, and adults are gradually switching to a passive perception of information from electronic devices.

Why do children need to read?

Meanwhile, scientists have proven that reading for 6 minutes reduces stress levels by more than 2 times. Listening to soothing music and walking are only in second and third place in relieving stress.

Researchers in the UK claim that reading is as beneficial to the body as fitness is to the muscles, because during this process a person exercises the entire brain.

There are completely different processes in the gray matter if you read for pleasure and if you are trying to learn information, for example, to pass an exam. Scientists conducted research and found that at the moment of transition from ordinary reading to the desire to memorize the text in detail, active blood circulation begins in the head and the type of nervous activity completely changes. Blood reaches those areas of the brain that are responsible for cognition and concentration. Any kind of neurological load is good for the brain, it activates blood circulation, improves tissue nutrition.

What is the main benefit of reading?

The benefits of books for children are beyond doubt. Children love to be read to. It is from the parents that the baby hears the first poems and fairy tales, and if the parents do not ignore reading even the smallest, then with a very high probability the book will soon become the child’s best friend. Why? Because the book :

• expands the child’s understanding of the world
• introduces everything that surrounds the child: nature, objects, etc.
• influences the formation of preferences and reading tastes of the child
• develops thinking – both logical and figurative
• expands vocabulary, memory, imagination and fantasy
• teaches how to write sentences correctly.

Children to whom parents read aloud regularly begin to understand the structure of a literary work (where the beginning, how the plot unfolds, where the end comes). Through reading, the child learns to listen – and this is important. Getting acquainted with books, the child learns his native language better.

Children usually look forward to being read to by their parents. Reading aloud is of great importance for those children who can already read the book themselves. Family reading is a guarantee of well-being, a way of communication between parents and children, a method of education and good leisure. That is why mom and dad should always have time to read to children.

Psychologists believe that children to whom parents read books are emotionally balanced and self-confident.

Here’s what happens when we read together:

1. Children who are often read to feel close, protected, safe. Such children are much more comfortable to live than those who are deprived of the joy of reading.
2. While reading together, children form a moral attitude towards the world. The heroes of the books do a variety of things, get into false situations, make decisions – all this the child can discuss with the parent, while forming an understanding of good and evil, friendship and betrayal, sympathy, duty, honor.
3. With active listening, the child vividly imagines what is being narrated and experiences. At these moments, he develops emotionally and, often identifying himself with the main character, overcomes his own fears.
4. When listening to a literary work, the child inherits a variety of behaviors through the book: for example, how to become a good friend, how to achieve a goal, or how to resolve a conflict. The role of parents here is to help compare situations from a fairy tale with situations that can happen in real life.

The book is the key to child development

The benefits of reading books for children are very great. Early childhood and the preschool period is a time that must not be missed in order to lay the most valuable qualities in a child, because it is at this time that the inner world of the child is formed. And here a book is a good helper, which helps to shape the worldview of the child, his morality, values, and the general level of culture.

From the first books, the little ones learn about the rules of politeness and the basics of health, as well as the simplest rules of life. Toddlers are often read short folklore works, unpretentious poems, in which folk wisdom is presented in forms accessible to crumbs.

Instilling a love of reading in AMAKids

AMAKids Intelligence Development Academy pays special attention to reading and has developed a whole methodology to increase reading speed. The technique is called Liberica. After completing the Liberica course, you will be able to read books at lightning speed and work with large amounts of information at the same speed. This is a practical skill, acquiring it, the reading speed increases by 5 or more times relative to the starting readings after completing the main course of Liberica. And 10 times or more when fully exploring Liberica and Liberica+. AMAKids students perceive reading as an interesting process and easily immerse themselves in the material. Reading becomes more fun, children read with pleasure.

After completing the course of Liberica, children not only increase their reading speed, but also improve the assimilation of the information they read. When reading, we kind of immerse ourselves in the book, visualize the plot, imagine ourselves as a participant in dramatic actions. At this moment, those parts of the gray matter begin to work, which, in the absence of such a load, usually sleep. Neither computer games nor watching TV shows have a similar effect.

So read books and instill a love of reading in your children from an early age with the Liberic Method. No wonder they say that there are two categories of people: those who read books and those who listen to those who read.

The role of the book in the development of the child

References:

Shekhovtsova, L. D. The role of the book in the development of the child / L. D. Shekhovtsova, I. V. Prokofieva, E. A. Molchanova, R. I Markova. – Text: direct // Education and upbringing. – 2018. – No. 1 (16). – P. 3-6. — URL: https://moluch.ru/th/4/archive/81/3071/ (date of access: 09.10.2022).



The value of books for a child is very great. Books serve to expand the child’s understanding of the world, to acquaint him with things, nature, everything that surrounds him.

From childhood, while reading books, a person actively develops his thinking. The book awakens both thought and imagination. The book teaches perseverance and the development of independent work skills, makes you think, analyze, predict. These qualities are important in order to cope with life’s problems and worries, to find solutions to the most difficult tasks. Books form the worldview, values, beliefs, personal philosophy. All this indicates an impact on the standard of living. The book opens up a new, still unknown and huge world for the child. If children see books and reading as a source of information, then all the knowledge accumulated by mankind will be open to them.

It is best to introduce a child to books from birth. A book is a very important form of communication between a child and parents. Books can be read to a child from the cradle. While you are taking care of the baby (bathing, feeding, etc.), tell him little nursery rhymes and fairy tales. Of course, the baby still does not understand anything, but he perfectly captures intonation and sounds.

It is necessary to instill a love for books from early childhood, then there will be no problems later. The child should develop the habit of reading, and then at an older age, he will also continue to read.

Parents should make every effort to develop the need for reading in children. And then it will not be very important when the child reads the first book on his own for the first time: at the age of 4 or in the first grade. The door to the wonderful world of literature will be opened. The great merit of books is the morality they contain.

The ability to read involves a whole range of skills, and mastering each of them requires effort. It is not enough to remember all the letters and learn how to put words out of them, and then sentences. You will have to train your memory so as not to forget its beginning by the end of the phrase, and by the second page – the content of the first. When reading or listening to a book, children imagine themselves in the place of the main characters. A wonderful world opens before them, full of princesses, noble deeds and evil sorcerers. The book for the child acts as a teacher, shows him which actions are good and which are bad. This book compares favorably with a movie or a cartoon, in which the characters are given ready-made – the way the creator of the film wanted to present them. Sometimes difficult experiences prompt a child to re-read the same books many times until his own point of view crystallizes, and nothing can replace this work of the soul.

The deep meaning of children’s fairy tales directly affects the upbringing of the child, telling him about good and evil, about good and bad deeds. On the example of favorite characters, the child will be able to learn how to act and what actions to avoid. Sometimes books act on controversy by making villains the main characters and ridiculing their bad deeds. By explaining to the child the meaning and content of the book, the parent will help not only develop the imagination, but also influence the competent establishment of a causal relationship. With the help of literature, the child will be able to understand that any action is followed by its consequences, and that any bad deed will sooner or later be punished. Establishing cause-and-effect relationships in babies is difficult, but thanks to the literature, this difficult moment of learning will also be mastered.

Reading helps to increase vocabulary and develop speech. And each new word that has become clear expands the boundaries of the world, enriches it with new meanings. His thinking becomes more harmonious and orderly, a solid foundation for further education is formed.

Regular exposure of a child to a book can lead to a lifelong love of the written word. By introducing books into your child’s daily routine, you will instill a reading habit in him, probably for the rest of his life. It is worth noting that when a child listens to books, he can become more independent. While reading, concentration increases and the child learns to listen to what the other is saying. To get into the story, the child is in the maximum center of attention and carefully listens to every word. This improves his concentration. Also, while you are reading a fairy tale, it teaches that we should be silent and listen to someone talking. After reading, be sure to ask the child to briefly talk about what he heard and learned new things.

Another great virtue of books is that they arouse deep interest in the child. If the kid likes this or that book, he will definitely read it to the end, developing both his own imagination and his perseverance. Psychologists have long proven that children who read a lot have a calm character. They are able to focus their attention on a specific object of study for a longer time, and this, in turn, greatly facilitates the learning process. Those children who read a lot in childhood and often spent time reading a book will be much more diligent at school.

Do not worry if the child reads the same book several times. Children are more comfortable when they already know the end of their favorite story and can tell it by heart. Reread your favorite books with your child, but slowly offer him new options.

Books can also improve memory. Learn poetry, tell stories and so on. Sooner or later, the child himself will begin to tell his parents this or that work. Especially this effect is obtained in the evening.

If you want your child to read, set an example for him. If he sees that there are books and magazines in the house, then he will know that you value reading and will follow your example. The main thing is not to force them to read, otherwise the child will perceive the process as hard labor, a punishment that they want to get rid of as soon as possible. After such measures, your child is unlikely to want to continue reading for himself. After all, first of all, a book is still entertainment and endless hours of pleasure. It should be perceived as a pleasant activity, a source of interesting and useful information, and not an imposed necessity. Also, parents should carefully select literary material for their child. At an early stage of development, when the baby is just beginning to reach for books, it is worth selecting for him only the most interesting works, short tales and parables with vivid images. In the future, the child can move on to the study of more serious and complex works. Such a progressive approach will help the baby find his favorite genre of literature and get acquainted with a rich selection of children’s works.

Reading children’s books together with parents will bring the family closer. Such children will never feel lonely, and parents will have the opportunity to find out the range of interests of their child, because often the child associates himself in the future with his favorite character. You can arrange a general discussion after reading the book, so you will teach your child to express his thoughts clearly, listen to the opinions of others and develop communication skills with other people. Psychologists believe that children to whom parents read books are emotionally balanced and self-confident. Visit bookstores. Build an interesting children’s library at home. Get inspiring books that are colorful and fun to keep kids excited to read even more. Solve crossword puzzles, charades, rebuses, interesting logic puzzles with children. Encourage children to read aloud, train reading technique, expressiveness. In order for a child to grow up mentally healthy, he needs full communication with his parents, personal communication, when attention is paid to him completely, and reading together provides such an opportunity. Experience shows that those children who were read books in childhood, told fairy tales, becoming adults, they read a lot. Reading helps the child learn the language better, develops imagination.

The book will always help to find contact with the baby, get close to him, talk heart to heart and just be together, not to mention the fact that it can give the child many useful qualities. By accustoming a child to reading and offering him interesting, informative books, we educate him. Books awaken interest in study, work, self-knowledge. Explain to your child that the more he reads, the better he learns. From the moment of coming to school, the child should realize that much knowledge needs to be obtained on his own, and the book will help in this.

Whether a child loves to read depends not only on the teacher. The merit in it, first of all, parents. If an atmosphere of respect for the book reigns in the house, and parents respond to the child’s requests to read, help to understand something, then the child will appreciate reading as one of the integral components of life.

If a child shows interest in books, it is necessary to support and develop him. You need to offer the child to draw his favorite character or come up with an ending for some story from the book. These exercises will help develop thinking, logic and attentiveness, and such books as “Moydodyr” or “Fedorino’s grief” will teach the child to hygiene.

Nowadays, children are less and less likely to pick up a book. This is due to the fact that the modern world is literally crammed with television and the Internet. Also, this may be due to irresponsible parents who mistakenly believe that a child can learn all the necessary knowledge in life from TV or the Internet. But we should not forget that it is very important for a child to read a book before going to bed. At first, she simply helps him fall asleep, but on a subconscious level, the child has the necessary information that will definitely come in handy in the future.

It is important that the child gets acquainted not only with domestic, but also with foreign literature. You can start with simple fairy tales br. Grimm, G. Andersen and the adventures of J. Swift and M. Twain. This will help in the future to realize yourself as part of a big world that does not end with the framework of home and school.

The role of reading in the development of every child is great. After all, reading has a huge impact on the development of the child: his intellect, creative and logical thinking, emotional and social development, psychological and psychophysiological development. Reading develops the speech of the child, contributes to the formation of the correct moral and aesthetic attitude to everything that happens. Literature acquaints the child with various manifestations of life, with labor activity, nature, developing social experience.

Remember that by reading, the child becomes a fully developed personality.

Basic terms (automatically generated) : child, book, parent, reading, your child, dignity of books, favorite character, kid, fairy tale.

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While reading this book children may develop a thirst for travel, or

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19th rule: If your kid does not want to listen, then you do not need to force him, as this will not bring any benefit .

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The very first books reading to the child mother. For example, little Pushkin was read fairy tales by his nanny Arina Rodionovna

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Precisely parents should instill love children for books .

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They were made by children under the guidance of teachers and parents . It all started with readings of Russian folk fairy tales , which children loved very much.

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Reading fairy tales helps children overcome life’s difficulties, find a way out of difficult situations [1].

3. Does have a child favorite hero ? 4. Does your child remember fairy tales ?

Children’s best friends are books: their benefits and role in development

All parents want their children to be curious and eager for knowledge, and, as a result, would achieve success in life. One of the best means of development at all times were books. Taking into account the leading role of the book in the development of the child, parents and teachers are faced with the task of teaching them to love the book. From our article, you will learn about the benefits of reading books for children and the meaning of reading at different ages.

• 1 Why read books to children

• 2 The book is the key to child development

• 3 Reading circle for children of different ages

• 4 What literature is interesting for children of different ages

• 5 We read and educate

• 6 Advice on Purchasing Children’s Literature

  • 6.1 This video will help primary school teachers instill a love of reading in their students

Why read books to children

Children love to be read to

Children love to be read to. It is from the parents that the baby hears the first poems and fairy tales, and if the parents do not ignore reading even the smallest, then with a very high probability the book will soon become the child’s best friend. Why? Because the book :

• expands the child’s understanding of the world
• introduces everything that surrounds the child: nature, objects, etc.
• influences the formation of preferences and reading tastes of the child
• develops thinking – both logical and figurative
• expands vocabulary, memory, imagination and fantasy
• teaches how to write sentences correctly.

Children to whom parents read aloud regularly begin to understand the structure of a literary work (where the beginning, how the plot unfolds, where the end comes). Through reading, the child learns to listen – and this is important. Getting acquainted with books, the child learns his native language better.

“Children who were constantly read aloud and told fairy tales become readers for life. And also – those children whose parents love to read love a book.

Children usually look forward to being read to by their parents. Reading aloud is of great importance for those children who can already read the book themselves. Family reading is a guarantee of well-being, a way of communication between parents and children, a method of education and good leisure. That is why mom and dad should always have time to read to children.

Psychologists believe that children to whom parents read books are emotionally balanced and self-confident.

Here’s what happens when we read together:

1. Children who are often read to feel close, protected, safe. Such children are much more comfortable to live than those who are deprived of the joy of reading.
2. While reading together, children form a moral attitude towards the world. The heroes of the books do a variety of things, get into false situations, make decisions – all this the child can discuss with the parent, while forming an understanding of good and evil, friendship and betrayal, sympathy, duty, honor.
3. During active listening, the child vividly imagines what is being narrated and experiences it. At these moments, he develops emotionally and, often identifying himself with the main character, overcomes his own fears.
4. When listening to a literary work, the child inherits a variety of behaviors through the book: for example, how to become a good friend, how to achieve a goal, or how to resolve a conflict. The role of parents here is to help compare situations from a fairy tale with situations that can happen in real life.

“Family reading is an indicator of a good, prosperous family.”

The book is the key to the development of the child

The book forms the worldview of the child and gives him knowledge

Early childhood and the preschool period is a time that must not be missed in order to lay the most valuable qualities in the child, because it is at this time that the inner world of the child is formed. And here a book is a good helper, which helps to shape the worldview of the child, his morality, values, and the general level of culture.

From the first books, the youngest learn about the rules of courtesy and the basics of health, as well as the simplest rules of life. Toddlers are often read short folklore works, unpretentious poems, in which folk wisdom is presented in forms accessible to crumbs.

Listening to reading or reading independently, the child:

• gets acquainted with the past, present and even possible future of the world
• learns to think, analyze, be creative about everything
• develops speech, striving to make it correct, beautiful, rich, clear, imaginative, understandable to everyone
• forms spiritual qualities: compassion, mercy, sympathy, joy in the success of others, kindness, courage
• gets acquainted with art, learns to feel and understand beauty
• forms a positive attitude towards life
• develops a correct perception of nature, a thrifty attitude towards all living things
• learns to appreciate the work of others and be hardworking.

Reading circle for children of different ages

Books should correspond to the age, interests, views of the world, requests, spiritual impulses of the child . It’s good if the book contains the answer to a question that is still maturing in the mind of a child. Based on this, the reading circle of children of different ages is the circle of those literary works that children read or listen to, adequately perceiving them.

What literature is interesting for children of different ages

From 2 to 5 years old. Preschoolers clearly prefer poetry to prose. They are very fond of rhythmic works – poems, songs, ditties, rhyming nursery rhymes, counting rhymes. Many children’s works, including folklore, are dynamic and expressive, which is why children of primary preschool age perceive and memorize them so easily. Such works are best suited to the needs of babies, because they are a successful combination of rhythm, intonation, melody and movement. And kids love colorful books.

From 6 to 8 years old. The reading circle of preschool children is rapidly changing. Children after 5-6 years are no longer interested in nursery rhymes or short poems. At this age, children develop and consolidate reading skills. Children of senior preschool and primary school age prefer more voluminous works with a complex plot and a large number of characters in order to read them (or listen) and wait for continuation. They may also be interested in all kinds of children’s encyclopedias, where information about the world is available.

From 9 to 13 years old. At this age, readers are interested in the history and life of historical figures (conquerors, scientists, travelers, heroes). They have an interest in moral and ethical issues, reflections on friendship, love, happiness.

From 14 to 18 years old. Readers have their own range of favorite topics and characters: boys have their own, girls have their own. It depends on inclinations, interests, talents, character traits, environment, etc.

We read and educate

By teaching a child to read and offering him interesting, informative books, we educate him.

By teaching a child to read and offering him interesting, informative books, we educate him. Books awaken interest in study, work, self-knowledge. Explain to your child that the more he reads, the better he learns. From the moment of coming to school, the child should realize that much knowledge needs to be obtained on his own, and the book will help in this.

Whether a child loves to read depends not only on the teacher. The merit in it, first of all, parents. If an atmosphere of respect for the book reigns in the house, and parents respond to the child’s requests to read, help to understand something, then the child will appreciate reading as one of the integral components of life.

In order to develop a love of reading in a child, psychologists recommend:

1. Parents should show their positive example of people for whom reading is a pleasure. Quote writers, memorize, give examples from the literature, discuss what you read – and the children will see that without reading there is nowhere.
2. Enroll your child in the library. Go there weekly. Let your child choose their own books and magazines.
3. Visit bookstores. Build an interesting children’s library at home.
4. Start a “Reader’s Diary”, which will reflect how many books, what and during what period they were read.
5. Equip a reading nook at home: a comfortable desk, a bookshelf, toys in the form of fairy-tale characters, etc.
6. Shop for inspiring books that are colorful and fun to keep kids excited to read more.
7. Read books based on films with children and vice versa.
8. Think of leisure activities related to reading: literary evenings, joint reading or theatrical performances based on works.
9. Keep your child friendly with children who love to read.
10. Solve crossword puzzles, charades, rebuses, interesting logic puzzles with children.
11. Encourage children to read aloud, train reading technique, expressiveness.
12. Discuss what you have read with your child.

It is good when the atmosphere of respect for the book reigns at home

“Council. Do not force your child to read from early childhood, expecting super results: this can completely discourage the desire to read. Better find ways to get him interested.”

Recommendations for buying children’s literature

When choosing a book, think: “What effect will it have on the child? What will he learn?

What kind of books will interest children?

• Regardless of the child’s age, offer books that have stood the test of time—those we ourselves read as children. They will certainly charge the child with positive emotions, teach kindness, courage, honesty. Of course, the time in which we live also affects the selection of literature. This means that modern authors have worthy works that are suitable for reading to your children.
• When choosing a book, think: “What effect will it have on the child? What new will he learn?
• For preschool children, choose illustrated, thematic various books: about games and toys, nature, wildlife, relationships between people, family, rules of hygiene and behavior.
• Students will be interested in historical and military topics, art, inventions, fantastic adventures, travel, etc.
• Pay attention to the fact that the reading circle of children includes works with a humanistic orientation, affirming goodness, justice, equality, work, world peace, the value of life, health and happiness. After all, the main task of literature is to teach the child to comprehend what they read, analyze and draw conclusions. Reading should develop the mind and soul of the child.

This video will help primary school teachers instill a love of reading in their students

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyRPv41YoS0Video can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Grab a book, kids! (http://www.