“If we want children to learn to read well, we must find a way to induce them to read lots,” and likewise, “If we want to induce children to read lots, we must teach them to read well”
Dr. Marilyn Jager Adams
It is said that children become readers in the laps of their parents – a sentiment we couldn’t agree more with at Tiny Owl Publishing. As we’ve discussed in previous blogs, there are untold benefits to be unlocked once you begin a reading journey with your child; valuable bonding time together, opening their eyes to new worlds and cultures, and being able to teach them that reading is a pleasure, not a chore.
Here are just a few reasons you should start reading with your child:
- Readers Become Leaders It has been proven, in numerous ways, that childhood readers benefit intellectually. Reading alongside your child can help improve their comprehension skills and expand their vocabulary – you will be there to help explain words they may not understand; helping to improve their reading age one book at a time.
- Books Should Be Mirrors & Windows At Tiny Owl Publishing, our aim is to introduce global children’s literature to a UK audience. We encourage parents to introduce their kids to translated stories to offer them a different perspective to different cultures. Having a more diverse bookshelf to choose from with your child can open their eyes to worlds and traditions they may never have any other way of learning about.
- Reading Between the Lines Bedtime stories can be a great way to open up conversations with your child you may not be able to naturally conduct otherwise. They can help broach topics that could be tricky to do otherwise – a book’s character can become an ally for discussing emotions and feelings with your child.
- We Read to Know We’re Not Alone A bedtime story may only last ten, fifteen minutes, perhaps, but the memories will last a lifetime. Children become adults that cherish certain books and stories that remind them of precious bonding time with their parent.
- Books Fall Open, You Fall In The story doesn’t end on the final page – books act as a springboard for more creativity. Maybe a certain tale will inspire your child to try a new hobby, perhaps create their own story – maybe embrace their artisitic side, like we discussed last week? A good book is just beginning.
And remember:
“You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child.”
Dr. Seuss
