Reading Is Fundamental
Reading is Fundamental
Reading is the foundation that a child’s ability to learn is built on. The fundamentals of all learning are based on reading. Research has proven time and time again that reading to your child, even as early as pregnancy and infancy, helps to spark their curiosity to learn to read. By reading aloud during pregnancy and infancy, the ground work is being laid in the development for a child’s love of reading (Promoting Literacy).
To help children develop a love of reading start by having books all around. In the words of Dr. Seuss, “The more that your read, the more things you will know. The more you learn the more places you will go.” (Dr. Seuss). An early start with teaching the concept of page turning, observing pictures, and sequencing will feed little ones curiosity. You can further spark their imagination and creative thinking skills by sharing a picture book without words. Also, reading at bed time will also help small children learn that reading is a relaxing and comforting activity. As children get older we need to make sure we don’t always make reading feel as if it is a task, but rather enjoyable. The U.S. Department of Education found that, generally the more children read for fun the higher their reading scores are in school (U.S. Department of Education, 2007).
The answer to how to help children develop a love of reading mainly lies in how we as adults encourage them. Most of a child’s early learning comes from copying what they see their parents do, so if children do not see their parents read then they are not going to be compelled to read themselves. There are so many ways we can nurture a love of reading with children that in turn will help them develop in so many different ways. We read for so many different reasons and it is important that we convey those differences to our children so they can maximize the benefits they get from their own reading.
Without being surrounded by people who read then it will
Reading is the foundation that a child’s ability to learn is built on. The fundamentals of all learning are based on reading. Research has proven time and time again that reading to your child, even as early as pregnancy and infancy, helps to spark their curiosity to learn to read. By reading aloud during pregnancy and infancy, the ground work is being laid in the development for a child’s love of reading (Promoting Literacy).
To help children develop a love of reading start by having books all around. In the words of Dr. Seuss, “The more that your read, the more things you will know. The more you learn the more places you will go.” (Dr. Seuss). An early start with teaching the concept of page turning, observing pictures, and sequencing will feed little ones curiosity. You can further spark their imagination and creative thinking skills by sharing a picture book without words. Also, reading at bed time will also help small children learn that reading is a relaxing and comforting activity. As children get older we need to make sure we don’t always make reading feel as if it is a task, but rather enjoyable. The U.S. Department of Education found that, generally the more children read for fun the higher their reading scores are in school (U.S. Department of Education, 2007).
The answer to how to help children develop a love of reading mainly lies in how we as adults encourage them. Most of a child’s early learning comes from copying what they see their parents do, so if children do not see their parents read then they are not going to be compelled to read themselves. There are so many ways we can nurture a love of reading with children that in turn will help them develop in so many different ways. We read for so many different reasons and it is important that we convey those differences to our children so they can maximize the benefits they get from their own reading.
Without being surrounded by people who read then it will
Cited: Dr. Seuss. “I Can Read With My Eyes Wide Shut.” www.goodreads.com. Promoting Literacy. “Bonding With Your Unborn Baby Through Books.” www.earlymoments.com. U.S. Department of Education, 2007. “Facts About Children’s Literacy.” www.neg.org