Did you know that reading reduces stress levels by half, preserves a person’s physical health and prevents many diseases? In this article, we raise the topic of the benefits of reading books for a child and give simple recommendations on how to instill in children a love of reading.
Why Children Should Read
Unfortunately, many parents today have too little free time to read books with their children even before bedtime. It is much easier to turn on the child of the cartoon and give the gadget so that he entertains himself. Of course, all this takes place, the modern world dictates its own rules, but the importance of reading should not be overlooked.
The child receives information from books, holds images of heroes in his head, analyzes the plot, so that what he read is easier to remember. There is a gradual development of analytical thinking, imagination and memory.
Therefore, many well-known specialists in the field of child development recommend even pregnant women to read aloud. Studies have shown that newborns who listen to fairy tales in the womb develop faster and start talking earlier. And at an older age, they have a high IQ, sociability and self-confidence.
Another important advantage of reading is moral education and moral development. Bright emotions experienced by the child during the presentation of events from fairy tales, play the same role as parental education, but are perceived more easily. This is why children often re-read their favorite works.
In addition to the development of thinking, memory and educational role, literary reading for children is also useful because:
- The bond between parent and child is strengthened through regular joint pastime.
- The child’s vocabulary is enriched due to the fact that many words are found in books that are not used in everyday speech.
- Reading contributes to the development of cognitive interest and stimulates the desire to learn. It is simple – the more curious the child, the more he wants to learn.
- When a child listens to a fairy tale or reads himself, concentration of attention increases, he learns to listen to another, and also to delve into the essence of what he read.
- Books help you learn! It’s much easier to absorb information when it’s presented in a fun, engaging way. If you choose general education books in this format, the child will learn with interest and pleasure.
- Reading helps to deal with fears. Reading, children imagine what happens to the characters and often identify with them, together overcoming difficulties and fears.
- And of course, kids who read regularly learn something new.
What else are the benefits of books?
In early childhood, it is very important not to waste time and lay the right qualities in the child. Since in the first years of life, the foundation for the formation of the inner world of a person is laid. Books help in the formation of morality, worldview and the general level of culture of the individual.
The benefits of reading books for a small person are enormous. From his first collections, he learns about how life works: about the rules of behavior, politeness, about what is good and bad, about feelings, relationships, a healthy lifestyle and much more. For kids, it is better to choose poems, jokes, small tales and stories.
What is useful literary reading aloud for children
Many may think that reading aloud to a child is a pleasant family tradition, for example, before bedtime. In fact, it is a powerful tool for development.
First, if from early childhood to begin to read the baby out loud with expression and pleasure, growing up, he will begin to reach for books and do not have to teach him or, even worse, force him to read.
In addition, this way of reading helps children learn to perceive information by ear, which is very useful when school begins. In parallel, speech develops, and the ability to correctly express their thoughts.
While the child is young and can’t read, parents should try to find 20 to 30 minutes a day to read to him aloud.
How to instill in your child a love of reading
As we mentioned earlier, in order for a child to love reading, it is necessary to accustom him to this even before birth. But it happens that time is lost and you have to instill a love for books at an older age. We will tell you how to make this process smooth and pleasant for children.
1. Turn reading into a game
Motivations like “Read, you will be smarter than others”, “When you grow up, you can go to the best university” with children does not work. The child will be interested in reading when he perceives this process as a game.
In a separate article gave examples of games with which you can not only interest the child reading, but also teach him to read syllables.
2. Learn poetry.
The best age for learning poetry with a child is from birth to 8 years. It is during this period that it is very easy for children and requires almost no effort from parents. If you do not develop this skill earlier, then the process of memorizing poetry will cause difficulties to the middle classes in a child.
Lifehack: If your child does not like ordinary poems, memorize with him lyrics from popular songs that are always on the ear: from cartoons or works of modern pop artists.
3. Let the child choose his own books.
Of course, literary reading for children is very useful. Poetry develops a sense of rhythm, and prose promotes the development of speech. But all children are different and someone does not like this format of books.
Observe what your child is most interested in at the moment and head to the bookstore. Let him choose what he reads. Just be sure to pay attention to the format of the book, font and illustrations. For children of preschool and primary school age, it is better to choose books with large print and bright pictures.
4. Set an example.
A mother or father with a book is the best incentive for a child to do the same. Try to pick up books more often, hold family book evenings so that children see that parents also love to read and do it with pleasure.
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