In uncertain times like this, during the current COVID-19 crisis, we want to encourage and empower parents to read to their children.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, reading significantly helps brain development and encourages a strong, emotional bond between parents and their children. Therefore, it is vitally important to nurture family reading habits at home.
“Children are made readers on the laps of their parents” – Emilie Buchwald
Research by Harvard University found that in the early years, more than 1 million new neural connections are formed every second. Nourishing and stimulating a child’s mind in the first years of life is just as essential as feeding their body. It shapes the adults they become, the success they achieve, and the contributions they can make to our economy and society.
Reading as early as possible is the most vital skill for children to thrive in their learning. If children are read to in their foundational years, they are more likely to achieve higher educational outcomes and fulfill their dreams later in life. Reading stories also stimulates your children’s imagination and helps them learn more about the world around them.
Tips to get you started:
One way to engage young children when reading books together is to ask them questions like:
- Look at the cover. What do you think this book might be about?
- What is happening in the pictures?
- What do you think is going to happen next?
- What was your favourite part of this story?
By asking these questions, children will familiarise themselves with sounds, words, language, print and, ultimately, the value and joy of books. This builds your children’s early literacy skills and helps them go on to read successfully.
Remember, reading together creates valuable bonding time with your kids. So, make sure you create a regular reading routine with your children today!
To help them in their reading journey, ROOP has created an early childhood toolkit to get them started.
The Magic of Reading – Parents and Children
Reading is not merely an act of turning pages; it’s a journey of exploration, imagination, and connection. When parents read to their children, they are not only sharing stories but also weaving the threads of a special bond that lasts a lifetime. In this article, we delve into the enchanting world of reading and how it creates a unique and enduring connection between parents and their children.
1. Shared Moments: In today’s fast-paced world, finding quality time to connect with our children can be a challenge. Reading together offers a sanctuary of togetherness where parents and children can escape into the world of books, free from distractions. These shared moments become cherished memories that both parent and child hold dear.
2. Emotions Explored: Books open the door to a world of emotions, and when parents read with their children, they have the opportunity to explore these feelings together. They can discuss characters’ emotions, reactions, and choices, creating a safe space for children to express their own thoughts and emotions.
3. Building Trust: Reading is an act of trust. Children learn to trust their parents to provide them with the comfort, knowledge, and security that books offer. This trust forms the foundation of a deep and lasting connection.
4. Language and Learning: Reading exposes children to language, vocabulary, and sentence structures that they might not encounter in everyday conversations. This exposure enhances their language skills, cognitive development, and communication abilities.
5. Creating Memories: The stories shared during reading time become part of a family’s collective memory. These shared stories create inside jokes, references, and traditions unique to the parent-child relationship. They bond families across generations.
6. Role Modeling: Parents who read to their children set a powerful example. Children are more likely to become avid readers themselves if they witness their parents valuing books and making reading a part of their daily lives.
7. Shared Imagination: As parents and children read, they co-create the story world in their minds. This shared imaginative experience is a beautiful, unique connection between parent and child that nurtures creativity and wonder.
The Magic of Reading – Parents and Children
The connection formed through reading between parents and their children is one of the most profound and lasting bonds. It’s not only about the content of the book but also the emotions shared, the lessons learned, and the trust built. In a world filled with distractions, reading together offers a refuge of connection, learning, and love. The simple act of reading is a testament to the extraordinary bond that can exist between parents and their children. It’s a reminder that in the pages of a book, we discover not only stories but also the beautiful tale of a family’s love and togetherness.
