Reading Builds Character
Research shows that the earlier you introduce your children to books and literacy, the richer their vocabulary and the love of learning becomes. I spent five years on the Reading Team and it continued to fascinate me when we came to the beginning of the school year to access our kindergartners.
The task was quite simple, giving them a book, asking them where the cover was, to open it up, what do they see, etc. Many held it upside down and even backwards. Children love to take ownership in things that they love, why not start out with what we said above; choose something that interests the child, find a book, now sit together and take a look! You might begin with a picture walk, page by page talking about what’s on each page. The next time you open the books point out letters, words and sentences. Start small, but, please start.
The Importance of Reading with Children at a Young Age
Reading with children from an early age is one of the most powerful ways to support their growth and development. Even just a few minutes of reading each day can have a lasting impact on a child's future success and well being. Sounds easy, I know, but if you find a topic of interest with your children, they will want to stop, look, read and talk about what they’re learning. It could be colors, shapes, people, places or silly faces! Explore and you’ll find your child will want to learn more!
Helps Build Language and Communication Skills
When children are read to regularly, they hear new words, phrases, and sentence structures. This helps expand their vocabulary, improves listening skills, and strengthens their ability to communication skills. I actually had a parent email me one time to say that she enjoyed learning about Manners Monkey and all the polite words that the character used. She shared that on her way home from the class her daughter wanted to learn polite words in their ethnicity, too!
Helps Develop Early Literacy
Reading introduces children to letters, sounds, and the concepts of print. These early experiences help prepare them for learning to read on their own when they enter school. Many children today are buried in a device of sorts, iPad, computer, etc. and while these can be useful tools, there truly is nothing quite like opening up a book!
Builds or Strengthens Bonds
Reading together creates special moments of connection. Children feel loved, valued, and secure when adults spend time sharing stories with them, helping to build strong relationships and positive memories. You can set aside a time each day to sit with your child to read, you can read the cereal box in the morning, you can read signs while you’re driving in the car, words are everywhere, show your children they exist and a good book they will not miss!
Encourages a Child’s Imagination and Creativity
Books introduce children to new places, people, and The Importance of Reading with Children at a Young Age
Reading with children from an early age is one of the most powerful ways to support their growth and development. Even just a few minutes of reading each day can have a lasting impact on a child's future success and well-being.
Improves Focus and Listening Skills
Sitting and listening to a story helps children develop attention, patience, and concentration which are important skills that benefit them in school and everyday life. This is something they need to learn, even if they are not interested in the story, it would be rude to not listen to the speaker or presenter.
Teaches Important Life Lessons
Books provide opportunities to discuss kindness, respect, responsibility, perseverance, friendship, and other important character traits. Children can learn valuable lessons by following the experiences of storybook characters, like the Characters of Character! I’ve heard children reference them in the lunch room, the playground and in the classrooms. One Principal shared that she heard staff and students talking about the characters during the day and this would not happen without them. Talking about being a good friend, a healthy snack and having good manners. These are things that our children understand and internalize as they learn and grow. The Characters of Character are wonderful role models!
Increase School Readiness
Children who are exposed to books early often enter school with stronger language, literacy, and comprehension skills, helping them feel more confident and prepared to learn. I agree with this completely! We never sent our children to preschool, and when I taught preschool I could see the difference between a preschool aged child and one entering kindergarten. The preschoolers are exposed to the school climate, peers and develop a stronger vocabulary for the most part.
Creates a Lifelong Love of Learning
Reading can become a fun and enjoyable habit. Children who develop positive experiences with books at a young age are more likely to become lifelong readers and learners. This is very true. Now, please do not judge me here, but, I am not a reader. I struggled with comprehension as a young child and didn’t enjoy reading. My adult daughter and I laugh about it because I’m an author, but an author of early learning and elementary ages. Don’t put a novel in front of me, I’m lost! As an adult I learned that my art became my way to communicate and I’ve taken these lessons and created the characters which I hope you enjoy and introduce to your own children.
Some Simple Ways to Encourage Reading
Read together every day, even for just a few minutes, it will increase in time.
Let children choose books that interest them.
Ask questions about the story and pictures.
Visit your local library regularly.
Make reading a fun and relaxing family activity.
Get creative! Have your child draw their favorite character!
Every book opened with a child is an opportunity to build knowledge, confidence, imagination, and character. The gift of reading today can help create a brighter future tomorrow.
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