“Read to your child” is a phrase that is often said to parents, but the reality means that many of them do not find all that time they would like to do it. This lack of time, added to the concern for an ideal education of any parent, often raises many questions, such as, what are the concrete benefits of reading for my children ? How can I help develop your reading skills if I am not a frequent reader? What books are most appropriate for young children? How could you organize a reading session each day?
We try to answer these and other common questions and doubts on the issue of the importance of reading to the smallest of the house below.
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Benefits for your children of reading
Reading to a child can be beneficial in more ways than one, but perhaps the most important benefit is the time parents and children spend together in that special moment. You will share a fabulous moment participating in an activity that can be done almost anytime and anywhere. Sitting on your lap, your child will have a sense of security that will also allow you to deepen your relationship and get to know each other even better.
But there is much more, since reading can be compared to such important things as art: the more you draw, the better artist you will be. Similarly, the more you read, the better reader you will be. And if you have doubts because you have never been an avid reader, do not worry, because your children will not criticize your reading skills , since they will be focused on being with their parents enjoying time together. In any case, practice will improve your skills, and the love you profess for your children will also allow imagination and enthusiasm to flow more easily, with the aim of making the little ones dream and fantasize. Seeing their faces of illusion and curiosity is priceless!
By reading a story aloud, your children will learn to follow the stories from beginning to end, incorporating new vocabulary over time, which is always positive and helps them learn many things even if they have not learned to read yet.
Key ingredients for a successful reading at home
- Find something interesting to read.
- Change your tone of voice from time to time: use low and high tones, and also use whistling sounds or other mouth noises for more ambience.
- Get your kids involved in reading.
- Take breaks to comment on what has been read or to share impressions about the characters.
- Play with the endings incorporating questions like, What happened to …? What if…?
- And above all, the most important thing is that you enjoy yourself, laugh and have a lot of fun in the company of that little person you love so much.
As the child follows the story line, he gradually develops letter recognition . Try to add an additional word to each story and thus, if the child is attentive, they will appreciate and comment on the variants that they hear.
A child who enjoys reading at home and who always receives time from his parents to enjoy this healthy and precious habit, will most likely develop a love of reading. A child who is read will grow up to be a good reader.
What kind of readings to choose and when
To find out what type of reading your children like the most, it is very good to start by visiting the libraries, so that the child can choose those that most attract their attention and be able to change them for others quickly, cheaply and efficiently.
For purchased books, take advantage of any occasion, do not necessarily wait for special dates, as that removes the idea that reading is something basic and necessary . However, this does not imply that books are not given away on special dates, for which you should inform grandparents and other relatives about your preferences in this regard when receiving gifts.
The importance of a suitable atmosphere
When setting up a reading session, you will need a cozy corner with good lighting and a comfortable chair or sofa to be relaxed and comfortable. Use a blanket to snuggle up and do not forget to choose some good and attractive books that are always within easy reach of children , as well as the toys in their room.
Set aside a special time to read with your children. If the children are under the age of 6, they will probably be content with a 10-15 minute reading session. Remember that it is not about overwhelming but about having a good time and capturing the attention of the little ones and fostering their curiosity for all the stories that are hidden between the covers of a book.
Do not forget that reading is one of the essential skills of life, and that is why it should be part of it from the beginning.
