How to turn kids into story explorers
Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body – Richard Steele
Few things are more joyous than getting lost in the world of books; a universe of interesting stories, engaging characters, insightful messages and infinite imagination. The benefits of reading are aplenty and while the habit of reading amongst today’s children is on the wane, it is something that warrants immediate attention.
Benefits Galore
Reading is a skill whose importance can hardly be overemphasized; it is in fact a stepping stone to learning. Reading and storytelling go a long way in promoting brain development, improving cognitive skills, language and comprehending concepts. It not only helps children acquire knowledge but is also critical for their mental health, confidence and wellbeing. While reading with parents helps nurture an invaluable bond, reading with peers helps children develop the much-needed social skills making them happy and confident. Reading is also a great way to improve focus, concentration and be empathetic. It improves vocabulary too.
The advantages of reading are indeed innumerable. However, with technology dominating our lives and even those of small children, getting a hold of a physical book and actually flipping the pages to read has become a task. Spending time online and seeking gratification with technology has become the order of the day. However, there are simple steps that parents can take to instill the love for reading in children. Read on to find out more:
Start Early
Did you know that babies respond to sounds even when they are in their mother’s womb? Well, this is true and research has shown that mothers can start reading soothing stories to their little ones inside as early as in the 18th week of pregnancy. Hearing develops at around 18 weeks of gestation and familiar sounds can instill a strong emotional bond between the mother and the child. Studies have shown that reading to a baby in the womb helps in the positive development of the brain and improves language and literacy skill once the child grows older. Either way, it is a great idea to engage and bond with your baby as you read simple and calming stories to them.
Even after the child is born and is about a couple of months old, showing them bright and colorful picture books is a great idea to evoke interest in the child. Read to them regularly as this helps open up their world and minds. Schedule a time every day for this activity. If you are tired, take the help of your partner or even the care giver. Make sure you allot a specific duration each day so that the child slowly becomes aware that it is reading time. Choose stories that are interesting and age appropriate for the child. Animal and plant picture books are extremely relatable and enjoyable too, so make sure reading time is also a whole lot of fun.
Create a Reading Corner
As babies turn into toddlers, ensure you curate a small selection of books specifically for the child. Create a reading nook where the child can easily pick up a book and flip through it on his/her own. Make it colorful and comfortable. It is not necessary to buy a lot of new books; try to source books from thrift stores, second hand shops and even flea markets. Exchanging books with neighbors or borrowing from the library are also good ideas.
Encourage the child to sit down with a book and make time to read together. Choose books that have images of objects familiar to them whether it is of things in the house or around them. Involve your child by showing them pictures and asking them to name the object. Draw parallels and make a connection between the contents of the book and the world around them. Be slow and clear in your diction, so that the child can grasp words and improve his/her thinking skills. Nursery rhyme books are a good option for toddlers. Make sure that the books are sturdy and hard bound so that they are not easily damaged.
Consistency the Key
As kids get older, make sure to use every opportunity to read together. Weekly visits to the library or setting aside a few evenings in a week to catch up on a new book, encourages children to look for different books and read them. Make it a family activity by involving your partner and siblings too. This will also help create a precious bond and is a lovely way to spend time together as a family. Organize sessions of storytelling each weekend where you can catch up on what the kids have been reading during the week.
Keep a track of new releases and allow your child to explore a variety of genres before allowing them to choose their own books. Gifts books on special occasions and also encourage your child to gift books to friends so that they pass on the habit of reading and form a community of book readers.
