WHY READING IS IMPORTANT FOR CHILDREN


Kids who love to read grow into adults with inquiring minds, a thirst for knowledge and are on a fast track to success. So how can parents help their children become avid readers?


A love of books is one of the best gifts you can give your children. Around the world, experts agree that an excellent way to enrich a child’s life is through exposure to the world of books. ‘A strong reading culture encourages independence, leadership and confidence,’ says Pretoria educational psychologist Susan Schoeman of Sikhona Therapy.

KNOW MORE, GROW MORE
Reading is a building block of social and emotional development, as children who are confident readers can express themselves more effectively. ‘Readers are more likely to share their ideas, express their emotions and engage with others,’ says Schoeman. As the saying goes, ‘the more you read, the more you know, and the more you know, the more you grow’.

“Reading should be something children want to engage in, so you need to be creative, make it fun, be consistent in encouraging it and participate in the process... “


Related article: How to raise little readers

IT BEGINS AT HOME
Some children are naturally drawn to books and reading, but others need guidance and support to develop their literacy skills and love of reading. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (UNESCO’s) International Literacy Day, celebrated on 8 September each year, is an initiative aimed at raising awareness of the importance of reading and literacy.

It also highlights the vital role played by parents, caregivers and teachers in encouraging reading. It’s essential to create a reading culture at home if we want to encourage children to become engaged readers. ‘By fostering a reading culture, parents reinforce an important academic skill needed to acquire knowledge and understanding in school,’ says Schoeman.



MODEL THIS BEHAVIOUR
Parents should walk the talk because children mirror the behaviour they are exposed to. ‘If your child sees that reading is important to you and that it is something you make time for, chances are that they will too,’ she adds. Reading should be something children want to engage in, so you need to be creative, make it fun, be consistent in encouraging it and participate in the process yourself. As an educational psychologist, Schoeman works with children of all ages and focuses on how they learn. She has some pointers for parents who want to encourage reading in their children.

Related article: Proverb: Books strengthen minds

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

1. BUY INTERESTING AND EASY (AT FIRST) BOOKS 
Have as much reading material as possible in your home, including books your child is interested in and hi-low books. ‘Hi-low’ is the term used to describe books with high-interest topics for children reading below grade level. Start off with ‘easy’ books with basic reading, and slowly grow book difficulty.

2. GET CREATIVE
Reading doesn’t have to be limited to books. When there’s a programme on TV with subtitles, switch off the sound and ask children to read the subtitles. When you go shopping, point to different objects and ask them to read the labels.

3. BE INVOLVED
Involve yourself in the process. Make time for guided reading. This is where the child reads out loud to an adult who is actively listening and helping the child improve their skills. Children want to spend time with the adults in their lives, and if you read with your child, chances are that they will want to read more often because they get to spend time with you as well!

Related article: 9 Ways to get your children into good reading habits


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WHY READING IS IMPORTANT FOR CHILDREN WHY READING IS IMPORTANT FOR CHILDREN Reviewed by Michelle Pienaar on September 03, 2021 Rating: 5
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