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In the context of both parenting and early childhood education, reading to your child is a fundamental practice with long-term benefits. It is not just about storytelling but fostering an environment that nurtures the child's cognitive, emotional, and linguistic growth. This practice is a vital component of every home and of the best childcare services, including our My World Child Care centres throughout Perth.
Reading aloud to children has been proven to offer a myriad of benefits. Our My World Educators understand that it is a cornerstone of early development and paves the way for the child's journey towards being a lifelong learner. Let’s look at a few examples.
Reading to children stimulates their mental growth, enabling them to develop essential cognitive skills. Studies reveal that regularly reading with pre-school aged children stimulates brain development, improves concentration, and fosters curiosity and imagination. It helps children to understand cause and effect and to develop problem-solving skills. Reading together also teaches children about the wider world that exists beyond their current day-to-day experiences.
Reading isn't just about absorbing information – experts tell us that it also plays a crucial role in a child's emotional development. Through various character interactions and narratives, children can gain a deeper understanding of their feelings and those of others. This understanding can aid in developing empathy and in guiding their social interactions as they grow. Another incredible impact of reading is the calming affect it can have on children. According to this study, reading aloud to young children can lead to a reduction in hyperactivity.
Reading aloud enhances language proficiency by exposing children to a broad vocabulary and proper grammar from an early age. Children will develop important skills as they navigate unfamiliar words, phrases, and language structures. Additionally, reading aloud helps foster listening skills, which are crucial for understanding the sounds of language and building phonemic awareness, meaning the ability to recognise and manipulate individual sounds in words. Phonemic awareness is foundational for reading and spelling, as it helps children understand the alphabetic principle and decode words, leading to improved reading comprehension.
Reading aloud to your child is not just about narrating a story. It can be an interactive session that transforms the child's perception of books, reading and learning.
Here are some tips on how you can make the most out of your reading sessions.
The first step is selecting books that are appropriate for your child's age and interests. This ensures the child stays engaged and gains maximum benefits from the reading sessions.
While reading, encourage your child to ask questions, share thoughts, and discuss the story. This not only enhances their comprehension but also fosters a love for reading.
Books with illustrations can greatly aid in your child's understanding of the story. Discuss the pictures, relate them to the narrative, and encourage your child to interpret them. This practice can significantly enhance the child's visual literacy.
Not all books are equal. It’s important to be aware that all media, including books, carry messages from the authors that are intended to shape our children and their worldview – even at the pre-kindy stage. Be intentional about choosing books that communicate tried and tested values which will help them to engage their world with courage and kindness.
Make reading a regular part of your child's routine. Even fifteen minutes a day can create a significant impact on your child's cognitive and linguistic development.
Reading to your child goes far beyond storytelling – it fosters an environment that nurtures the child's overall development. For example, reading about diverse cultures and time periods will provide children with a broader understanding of the world, building knowledge of the amazing global story that they are a part of.
As we have briefly mentioned, books often portray a variety of characters, emotions, and circumstances. This diversity can help children develop empathy, enabling them to understand and respect others' feelings and experiences.
Reading aloud is a wonderful opportunity for parents and children to connect. It is a time when families can relax together, share stories, and explore various topics. This practice can significantly strengthen family bonds and enhance the overall emotional health of the child.
At My World, reading with your child holds a significant place in our approach to quality childcare. Our goal is to use reading in our activities to help you in the journey of nurturing your child's cognitive, emotional, and linguistic growth. Through regular and interactive reading sessions, we can significantly contribute to a child's overall development and instil in them a lifelong love for learning.
My World Child Care centres are available throughout Perth, Western Australia. Find us in Armadale, Seville Grove, Midvale, Waikiki, Rockingham.
