Why we should read to our children.
It is important to build a love for reading from young. That is why when parents ask what they can do at home, we always say “Read!”. Serina Teo, our Curriculum Specialist shares 6 reasons why we should read to children every day.
Build language skills
As you read to your child, he/she sublimely picks up language skills. The more you read, the easier it is for the rules of the language to be embedded in your child’s mind. From this, speaking and articulation skills start to develop. Learning language “rules” become easier, as the rules just come naturally.
Fosters creativity
Many of the children’s stories come with storylines that are not applicable in real life. But, they offer your child an avenue to imagine and visualise the stories. This helps foster creativity, and this benefits your child in his/her in future learning journey.
Cultivate values and build character
Very often, stories help teach children values and behaviour. Your child learns what’s right or wrong by watching what happens to the characters in the story. They learn from the experiences of the characters in the book.
When you tell a story to your child, he/she listens and pays attention. This is an important communication skill to cultivate, as communication is not just about talking but about listening to what others have to say.
Exposure to different cultures
Many stories are based on different cultures from all parts of the world. As you read with your child, he/she travels with his/her imagination, and learns about culture and diversity in a pleasurable and fun way.
Parent-child bonding
The wonderful bonding time you have with your child as you cuddle up close and read a story together is the most precious benefit of all. The closeness you develop with your child offers him/her the sense of security needed to explore, learn and grow.
The benefits of reading to children are not limited to the development of language and literacy skills; but also in cultivating creativity and imagination; as well as social skills, character building and emotional development. So, read read read!
Serina Teo, Curriculum Specialist