• 18Nov, 2017

For years, pediatricians and child psychologists have recommended reading to children and for all the right reasons, too! It is the most brilliant way to develop their language while also improving their left brain functions, self-confidence, which, inevitably, leads to higher literacy.

Reading to your child from a very young age has multiple benefits, some of which are mentioned below.

An average child reads for 20 minutes every day and is exposed to about 1.8 million words of text every year. That is 137 new words per minute! They absorb information on how to structure sentences and how to use words effectively in their writing and speaking. When you read to your child, it helps build their vocabulary, literacy skills and language. It also helps to improve concentration, memory and builds curiosity.

It's been proven through scientific studies that children who grow up with lots of books at home become more inquisitive and tend to explore deeper in any field they choose. Furthermore, they do better not only in school academics but also in verbal and nonverbal tests. Books are more than just an additional source of information as they provide information beyond what are taught by parents, teachers and peers. Reading promotes reflection time for young children to analyse their learning and therefore, achieve better across the curriculum.

Reading together lazily crouching on the sofa, reading bedtimes stories or visiting the library are just some ways a parent can spend time together with their child. It helps to build a strong relationship with the child. You can cuddle up with your child with a good book and discuss on various fictitious and factual themes. It will help to promote construction of knowledge and in development of critical thinking. It will also help the child realise that reading is not just a part of studies, but something that can be enjoyed and can be taken as a pleasurable hobby.