I graduated in 2016 with a degree in English literature. Since then, right until the mid of 2018, I had not read a single book. When was the last time you read a book?
Just think for yourself.
In a day and age where we are just a single tap away from access to unlimited entertainment, reading actual literature is slowly becoming a thing of the past.
We are absorbing more and more content with Netflix and other OTT Platforms.
If we need to learn anything new, YouTube, Google, wikiHow, and many other options are there to help us with it.
Gone are the days when we used to visit the library for every little query we will have. And with the rapid shift in culture, we are moving on from the books.
Of course, books have adapted to the changing technology in the form of audiobooks and ebooks, ditching their physical properties.
Still, the number of people sipping through them is significantly lesser than those lining up for web series & movies.
Why is Reading so Important for Children?
Reading allows us to be transported from our own world to another. Between the pages of a book, we can become immersed in the lives of fictional characters and learn about a culture entirely different from our own.
We can also learn new words and phrases, experience a range of emotions, and acquire skills and knowledge.
Because of the learning potential, the effects of reading on child development are vast and multiple studies have highlighted its benefits.
As such, teachers and parents are in a great position to ensure reading is a key part of children’s daily routine. We’ll give you some more information as to why this is so important and provide some tips that you can use both in and out of the classroom.
Assisted cognitive development. Cognitive development refers to how we perceive and think about our world in reference to our intelligence, reasoning, language development, and information processing.
By reading to children, you provide them with a deep understanding of their world and fill their brains with background knowledge.
They then use this acquired background knowledge to make sense of what they see, hear, and read, which aids their cognitive development.
Developing empathy. When we read a book, we put ourselves in the story in front of us. This allows us to develop empathy as we experience the lives of other characters and can identify with how they are feeling.
Children can then use this understanding to empathize in the real world with other people. Additionally, children will gain a greater understanding of emotions, which can help them understand their own emotions and those of others.
This helps dramatically with their social development.
Gaining a deeper understanding. A book can take us anywhere:
To another city, to a different country, or even to an alternative world. By reading a book, a child learns about people, places, and events that they couldn’t learn otherwise.
This gives children a deeper understanding of the world around them and cultures that are different from their own.
Building stronger relationships. If a parent reads with a child on a regular basis, then they will undoubtedly develop a stronger relationship with them.
Reading provides parents with an opportunity to have a regular and shared event that both parent and child can look forward to. Furthermore, it provides children with feelings of attention, love, and reassurance which is key for nurturing and wellbeing.
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