Independent studies have shown for years that reading books to young children increases self-awareness, strengthens the bond between the child and caregiver, improves vocabulary, encourage creative thinking, enhances problem solving skills, and builds a healthy vocabulary-but there's MORE!! Below are 5 MORE good reasons to read with your child.
1. Pick a book-ANY BOOK! An "age appropriate at home library" is a gift; shelf after shelf of imagination boosting material offers choice, and offering choices to a child EMPOWERS a child. Often times, parents and educators will claim that building at home libraries is too costly, however books purchased second-hand from thrift stores, children's consignment shops, library sales and used through online retailers will set you back just pennies on the dollar. Another fun idea for educators and parents in play groups? Share your enthusiasm, and celebrate reading with a book swap! Come with a book, leave with a book, and share the excitement for reading!
2. Validation is valuable! Children often relate to and identify with the characters in stories, and validation in this big (and often overwhelming) world can be a huge plus for the child reader. Story time not only will validate and comfort your child, but also open up the lines of dialog for a deeper connection between the child and the caregiver.
3. Reconnect, reconnect, and reconnect! Speaking of opening up the lines of dialog, reading provides an easy, natural lead in to conversation, and conversation means connection! Staying connected leads to confidence, confidence leads to a healthy Self Concept, and a healthy Self Concept in early childhood leads to a healthier, happier teenager, and later, a healthier, happier, confident adult.
4. Make memories! When I was a little girl, it was typically my grandparents who read to me (and often, too)! The memories of leaning into Nana, or curled up in Papa's lap are etched in my mind forever, and part of who I am. Because I cherish those memories so, I've tried my best to pass the gift onto my own boys. (Truly, story time is a gift that keeps on giving, long after the final chapter ends.)
5. Stories plant seeds in our IMAGINATION! An imagination is a terrible thing to waste, especially when along with imagination comes creative thinking, problem solving skills, authentic expression, increased self-awareness, constructive thinking, and imaginative play! Your child's imagination is her ticket to freedom. Studies show that an active imagination will help your child do better in school, play constructively on their own, strengthen interpersonal skills, and feel generally happier.
If you're an educator interested in learning more about building age-appropriate at home libraries for under-served children in the U.S., or for details on how you can receive FREE books for your school or classroom, visit http://www.RIF.org. If you're a parent or caregiver in need of FREE reading material for your child or children, please visit http://www.pajamaprogram.org for more information.
Enjoy!
Elle survived abuse as a child, and spent years in foster care before being chosen through adoption. Now, she's a Best-Selling Author, Globally Published Journalist, Speaker, and Social Advocate. Her best-selling children's book "What Love Is A-Z" has proven to be a tool for service, opening the door for thousands of dollars to be raised for various charities through massive global sales. She owns and operates a boutique coaching practice, supporting private clients in the area's of Writing, Publishing and Business Development through Service and Collaboration.
Elle is on a mission to shed light on the power of Love, Compassion, and Uniting for Purpose, advocating a commitment to the betterment of All, beginning with our youth. She passionately inspires the masses through Radio, Television, and from stages everywhere, motivating thousands around the world to live and work from the heart for a more rewarding, and spiritually accomplished life experience. For more information, visit http://www.ellefebbo.com/, or http://www.whatloveisa-z.com/.