10 GREAT Benefits
The importance of reading cannot be emphasized enough in young children, and we as teachers and parents need to make reading a high priority.
Not only does reading enhance a child’s vocabulary, and to help them understand how to read and write, but reading aloud to children also helps them to understand different topics about the world and everyday life.
Some benefits and advantages that highlight the importance of reading with young children are.
1. Reading to young children sets them up to succeed
The more you read to your children the more knowledge they absorb. After all, reading
with your children gives them the skills needed for when they start to read themselves.
They learn to follow words across the page from left to right, and turn pages which are
pre-reading skills that benefit them and help to become better readers later on.
2. Reading exercises our brain
Reading is a much more complex task for the brain than watching TV.
Reading strengthens the brain's connection and builds NEW connections.
3. Reading improves concentration
Children have to sit still and quietly so that they can focus on the story when they are reading or being read to. When children are read to often, they will develop the skill to do this for longer periods of time.
4. Reading teaches children about the world around them
When reading a variety of books children learn about people, places, and events outside of their own experience.
5. Reading improves vocabulary and language skills
Children learn new words as they read. Subconsciously, they absorb information on how to structure sentences, how to use words and other language features effectively in their speaking and writing.
6. Reading develops a child’s imagination
As we read our brains translate the descriptions we read of people, places and things into pictures. While engaged in a story we are imagining how a character is feeling. Young children then bring this knowledge into their everyday play.
7. Reading helps children to develop empathy
As children develop, they begin to imagine how they would feel in that situation.
8. Reading is fun
A book doesn’t take up much space and is light to carry, so you can take it anywhere. You can have a book in your child’s backpack and in the car.
9. Reading is a GREAT way to spend time together
Reading together on the sofa, bedtime stories and visiting the library are just some ways of spending time together.
10. Children who ready achieve better in school -
Reading promotes achievement in all subjects, not just English. Good readers tend to achieve better across the curriculum.
Kathy A.| Teacher