For book lovers, it may seem obvious to share stories with their children. Why wouldn’t they pass on their love of letters to them? However, researchers have shown that the benefits of this activity are not limited to the creation of a bond but go far beyond, both from the point of view
Many studies have been conducted on the interest for children to participate in activities around reading at home. A large part of them focus on early childhood and the way in which this literary bath helps to develop the basic skills of comprehension and expression. Sharing reading materials from an early age stimulates language development and learning to read, for example.
But this home environment does not lose importance once children learn to read. Like parents’ beliefs and behaviors, a child’s opportunities to read at home continue to influence their interest in books throughout their schooling.
So here are five ways common reading can help your child’s overall education.
Open new horizons
Reading as a family helps instill a love of books from an early age. By taking the time to turn the pages of a book with their child, adults help them see reading as a pleasure and not a chore. Some children read because they enjoy doing it, others because they get rewards – like stickers in a school reading journal, for example.
Children who read for pleasure read more books, in more varied styles. Giving your child a taste for books therefore helps him to broaden his horizons.
Boost self-confidence
Children assess their own reading skills by observing classmates and discussing with parents and teachers. By sharing a story and encouraging their children as they read, parents can help their children develop what is called a sense of self-efficacy – the way in which one visualizes one’s ability to perform an activity.
This self-efficacy has been shown to affect the ability to recognize words. Children who think they can’t read will be less likely to take the plunge, but with targeted compliments as they read, parents can help them believe in their own abilities.
Develop positive attitudes
Research has shown that the more children have the opportunity to engage in print-related activities at home, the more positive their attitude toward reading. Children are more likely to read in their spare time if another member of their family reads regularly, creating a community they feel like they belong to.
Parents’ beliefs and actions play on their children’s personal motivations for reading, this link certainly being two-way – parents are more likely to offer activities around reading to their children if they know
Expand their vocabulary
During these shared readings, the children are exposed to various language registers. This is a very important aspect in these first stages of writing awareness. After all, language development is the foundation of reading and speaking skills, and this language bath is one of the essential benefits.
These early readings can have long-term benefits by expanding the vocabulary of younger children. If they come across a word they don’t understand, they have an adult with them who can explain it to them in an accessible way. Telling stories to children who are learning to read can improve their knowledge of the alphabet, their deciphering and spelling skills and generally familiarize them with the use of books. Just saying the letters of a word they don’t know can help them a lot.
Become fluent in writing
By reading a story to a child, we will modulate the intonations, the rhythm of the story and provide pauses – and therefore respect what is called prosody. It is not a skill that can be taught explicitly, but by pausing in the story or changing the tone if necessary, you can help your child become more comfortable reading aloud. This is why it is not an activity reserved for kindergarten students. On the contrary, showing the complexity of this work of interpretation is useful for children of all ages.
You don’t need a lot of money or even free time to read with your children. Even small efforts can have big effects. Sharing a book, magazine or comic can be done at any time of the day.
The most important thing to keep in mind is to have fun. Interest in books emerges over the good times spent together. Showing your interest and investing in this activity can have a huge impact on how your children will take to it.
