To learn to read, is to read to learn

Albert Einstein, king of the pithy statement, once said, “If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.”

And, it will come as no surprise, that the eminent scientist has been proven right time and again. In fact, studies into the effects of reading on childhood development highlight that reading for pleasure doesn’t just help a child’s educational performance.

Children who read daily not only do better in school, but have a more extensive vocabulary, better general knowledge, and an improved understanding and interest in other cultures.

Why does reading matter?

Research by BookTrust, the largest children’s reading charity in the UK, has found that reading allows children to develop a wide range of literacy skills, as well as setting the foundations for social interactions. 

Based on research from 2014, BookTrust advises that book experiences for children should start from as early as 3-4 months of age, and their enhanced language and communication skills become evident from around 8 months old.

Books also provide a ‘stable source of information’ for a child, which allows them to make sense of what they encounter in the world. This vital background knowledge of “the world out there” helps improve their cognitive development.

​Reading as childhood #lifehacks

It’s no stretch to say that childhood reading helps children to develop critical life skills, as well as thinking skills. That’s not all that some time with a good book can do for your little one.

• Empathic development: The act of reading a book encourages a child to put themselves in somebody else’s state of mind, and identify with the feelings of the characters. This encourages children to consider alternative points of view, as well as providing them with a way to understand their own feelings and emotions.
• Learning the world: Books allow your child to visit places they may not ever have considered before. From exploring different worlds, or simply taking a trip to a foreign country, reading allows a child to develop an appreciation for the world around them. This encourages cultural sensitivity in children, as well as motivating them to learn about historical events.
• Relationship building: The act of reading with a parent encourages a child to develop a strong, lasting relationship with that parent. Regular shared events that prioritise enjoying reading provides nurturing for the child’s emotional wellbeing, as well as their cognitive development.

Reading is Fundamental

There are some great ways to promote reading to your child, including:

• Reading aloud with your kids in a way that encourages them to discuss how they feel about what they’re hearing and seeing.
• Develop your own reading practice as a way to show that reading is a fun pastime for everyone. 
• Create easy access to books by encouraging your child to visit the library or listen to audiobooks when you can’t be there to read out loud for them. 
• Encourage your child to make time for reading in the day, and to take ownership of their reading life - ask them what they would like to read next, or when they would like to read, so that they understand you support their reading time.
• Engage with online literacy programmes which help to challenge and educate your child in fun and interactive ways.

While there are impressive statistics around reading and your child’s development, it can also be deeply enjoyable. Exposing your child to a wide range of literary texts - from books to poetry - is a wonderful way to engage them in a lifelong love affair.
Image credit: Ben White on Unsplash

Author:
Elizabeth Eta
Project Director at GraphoGame