Beyond Words: unlocking the power of books
As we approach World Book Day on Thursday, we explore the importance of instilling a love for reading in children from an early age.
Reading is not just a hobby, but a fundamental skill that has a significant impact on a child's learning, attainment, and wellbeing. Research has consistently shown that reading to children, even before they can read on their own, has a profound impact on their language development, cognitive skills, and emotional intelligence.
Have you ever heard of the ‘Million word gap’? New research showed that children who were never read to would only have heard an average of 4,662 words by the time they turned 5. Children who were read to daily had up to 296,660 words. And if they had access to 5 books a day, then the figure jumped to 1,483,300 words! There is no doubt that reading has a direct impact on vocabulary and language skills.
So what are other benefits of reading to children?
Enhances creativity and imagination: Books give you wings! Reading exposes children to a world of imagination and creativity, helping them to think beyond their immediate surroundings and explore different perspectives. It encourages them to ask questions, develop critical thinking skills, and expand their horizons. Staying curious is crucial for children if we want them to grow into lifelong learners who can be adaptable and ready to take risks.
Improves academic performance: Reading to children has been linked to improved academic performance, particularly in areas such as literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving. According to a report by the National Literacy Trust, "Children who enjoy reading are more likely to do better in school than those who don't."
Develops empathy and emotional intelligence: When children read books with relatable characters, they can explore how these characters deal with difficult emotions such as anger, frustration, and sadness. By identifying with the characters' feelings, children can learn how to navigate their own emotions, develop empathy and start to build the emotional regulation skills which are crucial for navigating social situations, relationships and future workplaces where collaboration and teamwork are essential qualities. It also helps children to understand and label their own emotions and those of others and to be aware of their own impact in others or even the environment.
Develops resilience and a growth mindset: According to a study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology, "Reading can promote cognitive and emotional flexibility, which is a crucial component of resilience." By reading books with challenging themes or characters who face adversity, children can learn how to cope with difficult situations. These important messages will also help developing a growth mindset so that children can face challenges with resilience, perseverance, and a belief that they can learn and improve.
How can parents instil a love for books in their children? Here are some tips:
Start early: It's never too early to start reading to your child. Even babies can benefit from hearing the sound of your voice and being exposed to language.
Make it fun: Choose books that are age-appropriate and engaging for your child. Use different voices for different characters, act out the story, and make reading time an enjoyable experience for both you and your child.
Choose books with diverse themes and discuss emotions: Use books as a tool to discuss emotions with your child. Talk about how the characters are feeling, and ask your child how they would feel in that situation.
Lead by example: Let your child see you reading books and discussing them. This will show them that reading is a valuable activity and something to be enjoyed.
Visit the library: Take your child to the library and let them choose their own books. This will help them develop a sense of ownership over their reading choices and foster a love for books.
Read regularly: Make reading a part of your daily routine, whether it's before bedtime or during a quiet time of the day. Consistency is key to instilling a love for reading in children.
Sources:
Harvard Graduate School of Education. "How Reading Can Help Children Regulate Their Emotions."
National Literacy Trust. "Reading for Pleasure: A Research Overview."
Reach Out and Read. "Why Reading Aloud to Children is Important."
Book Trust. Tips for reading with your child | BookTrust
