There is a very good reason why there are a real wealth of different kids books out there that you can choose from. Reading with your children is incredibly valuable and something that forms a crucial part of their development.
But why is this? What makes reading through the pages of a book such a great thing for your little one? James Goldsmith at Eleven Plus offers 5 ways in which reading will benefit your child.
1 – It helps their reading skills
There is a definite link between those parents who read to their children consistently, with children who have a high level of reading. This is because they have a greater understanding of literacy, which will help them in the future, when the time comes for them to read to their parents.
2 – They learn about the world around them
Of course, many books that you will read to your child are going to be fiction, which means that any scenario is possible. However, there are also plenty of books out there that are packed full of real world experiences. This encourages children to learn more about the world around them and ensures that they have an understanding of other cultures and diversity.
3 – It increases their imagination
Alongside this, those fiction books about monsters, giants and fairies, they might not be accurate, but they are great for the imagination. One of the greatest thing that a child can possess is an active imagination, as this will help them to play and maybe even create their own stories in the future. Both of which are great reasons to get reading as much as you can.
4 – It is a time to bond
If you asked a child why they love their parent reading to them, then the most common answer that they would give is because it means they can snuggle up and enjoy something together. No phones, no TV, no interruptions. It might only be 5 or 10 minutes, but to a child that could be more than enough to see them through.
5 – It is great fun
One common theme that you will see in kid’s books is that they have humour in them. That is because story time is fun. It is a chance to escape, to explore another world, to smile and to just have some good old fashioned fun. What could be better than that?
Whether it is setting sail on the sea with swashbuckling pirates, wandering through the jungle with a tiger or perhaps stopping some kind of vegetable take over of the world. Reading a story with your child on a daily basis is something that each and every parent should make time to do. Not only is it great for you, but it is also hugely beneficial for your child too. Both in the short-term and in the long-term too.
