Unlock the Power of Early Reading
You probably know that reading to children is a good thing, but do you know the specific advantages even the youngest children can gain by being exposed to reading? From the beginning, children can begin to develop a lifelong relationship with reading which helps them grow into adults who love to read and can communicate more easily. Here are just a few of the benefits of reading to your child even before the age of five:
BENEFITS OF EARLY READING
A stronger relationship with you – As children grow, they’re on the move (and so are you!) —playing, running, and exploring their environment. Snuggling up with a good book lets you slow down and reconnect. Instead of another chore or task, reading becomes a nurturing activity that brings you closer.
Fundamentals of speech and literacy – Starting very early on, when your child listens to you read, they hear language fluency and intonation, building critical language skills. And did you know that when your toddler flips through a book pretending to read, that’s an important pre-literacy activity? Children aren’t born knowing to read from left to right. Important pre-reading skills are among the major benefits of early reading.
Enhanced concentration and imagination – Sure toddlers will squirm and become distracted during story time at first, but most eventually learn to stay put through an entire book. Along with improved comprehension, reading strengthens self-discipline, attention span, and memory retention, all of which will serve your child well in school. And even the youngest imaginations are inspired by colorful pictures in picture books!
Teaching healthy interactions – As children listen to the interactions between characters in the books you read, they gain valuable communication skills and learn how to better interact with others. If you spend time reading to toddlers, they’ll be much more likely to express themselves and relate to others in a healthy way. If there is a lesson you want to address with your child, you can often find the perfect book to bring the lesson to life for them.
Setting the foundation for academic excellence – One of the key benefits of reading to toddlers and preschoolers is a higher aptitude for learning overall. Reading to preschoolers teaches them about the world around them, and helps improve their general knowledge. Numerous studies have shown that students who are exposed to reading before preschool are more likely to do well in all areas of education.
Reading has the power to benefit children of all ages in many ways! Here are some tips to help your child develop a lifetime love of reading:
TIPS TO ENCOURAGE EARLY READING
Start young and stick with it – As a parent, reading to your child is one of the most important things you can do to lay a foundation for academic success. Even infants can look at pictures and listen to your voice. Preschoolers can be guided by pointing to the pictures, and saying the names of each object. By drawing attention to pictures and associating words with both pictures and real-world objects, children begin to learn the importance of language.
Surround your child with books – Consider buying or requesting books about your child’s favorite subjects rather than toys for every occasion. Keep a variety of books where little hands can easily reach them, so he or she can browse through them freely.
Teach by example – If children see you reading, they’ll learn that you value reading. Let them see you enjoying books and newspapers, but also point out the importance of reading throughout everyday activities such as choosing products in the grocery store, following recipes while cooking, and reading street signs while driving. It’s impossible to overestimate the value of modeling and leading by example!
Keep reading together – Even after they can read on their own, you can read aloud together. By reading stories that they are interested in, but are beyond their reading level, you can stretch their understanding and motivate young readers’ to improve. Discuss the books they are reading with them. What are they learning about? How do they feel about the characters or scenarios they’re reading about? Reading can help open the lines of communication between parent and child.
Choose their time wisely – Choosing activities and programs that help foster a love of reading and learning within your child is extremely important. Trade some screen time (turn off the televisions and tablets) for reading time! Visit your local library or book store together, or read in the park. Seek out schools, camps and activities (such as those available at Cranium Academy of Winter Garden and Cranium Academy of East Orlando) that encourage and emphasize the importance of reading.
CRANIUM ACADEMY: YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS SPARK A LIFETIME LOVE OF READING
Cranium Academy believes that reading should be an integral part of every child’s daily routine. From our preschool through elementary school, and our academy to summer camps, our exclusive curriculum and teaching techniques, available at both Winter Garden (near Windermere) and East Orlando (near Lake Nona) locations, challenge each child academically to foster a love of reading and unlock true learning potential.
Many parents worry that their child may lose some of the reading progress that was made throughout the school year over the summer. Cranium Academy offers the perfect solution with weekly summer camps that help children improve reading and other academic skills in a fun way during their break from school. Learning is cleverly disguised as fun, and combined with tons of active play and social interaction! Learn more about our summer camps at: http://www.www.craniumacademy.com/endeavorschool-camps.
Cranium Academy offers a completely unique preschool through fifth grade private school experience, plus unforgettable summer camps, birthday parties, after school programs, and more! Now serving more of the Orlando area with our Winter Garden – Windermere preschool and elementary school location and our brand new East Orlando location near Lake Nona.
