Reading is an essential life skill
We all understand the importance of education for growing kids. Reading is an integral part of an education system. With the increase in the use of technology in day-to-day life, it has become a prerequisite. Making kids efficient in reading is making them increase their chances of learning different things simultaneously. Children who read books develop a better understanding of the topic.
They become more aware of world topics, cultures, and geographical places. The kids who are deprived of reading at an earlier age encounter difficulty in their later life.
Studies have shown that kids who are introduced to reading at an early age have a well-developed brain. They are more creative and intelligent. Studying books also make them better speakers. They have more command of the language they read and use in daily life. Such children are more self-esteemed and confident than the kids who do not read.
It is important for parents to read stories to their kids at a very early age. This gives them a chance to spend some quality time with their youngsters. It also leads to having some important educational conversations between children and parents. The knowledge and the information shared by a parent make children more enlightened and curious about the topic. This improves their brain functions, vocabulary, visionary, creative, and analytical skills. They understand the realms of life which remain with them for a lifelong time.
We cannot overlook the importance of reading books for students and kids. This one habit can become the most influential for them to reach their goals and be successful in life.
Here we are listing the 5 most important benefits of reading for children.
1. Improves the functioning of the brain
To stay fit we all do exercises like yoga, running, etc. Exercise keeps us healthy by making our muscles more strong. Unlike exercise for muscles, reading is a workout for our brains. It requires more neurobiological attention to decode the printed text and reach a meaningful comprehension of it. While trying to interpret the written words the brain is stimulated to focus, concentrate, and be intelligent. We push our minds to construct and imagine a meaningful narrative of the published text. This gives us more time to think and look into the insights of a concept than any other medium of learning. Researches have shown that reading helps in brain development and makes us smart. Evaluating a published article, story or text enforces the brain to concentrate and become more attentive. Concentration and attention to detail are the two most important skills and habits that can help kids become bright in studies and do well in life. Not only in studies but these skills always lay the foundation to a path of success in other fields of life. Be it an older age while doing a job or business, or in college while researching on projects. Hence, one should keep reading books to give their brains a proper workout. It also reduces the chances of Alzheimer’s and Dementia by engaging the brain and preventing it to lose its power.
2. Increases Vocabulary
Children are exposed to new words via textbooks, storybooks, activity books they read. The words they learn while reading help them to express their views and thoughts more clearly and effectively. Kids who read books can speak with confidence, and make more friends. The enhanced vocabulary list not only enables them to put their thoughts in speech but also in written form. They can write amazing articles, stories and who knows they can become the greatest author of their time. Being eloquent and well-spoken not only helps kids to speak to their peers and teachers effectively but also help them achieve greater success in the later years of their life. We all appreciate and respect people who are well-versed, well-read and knowledgeable. The vocabulary used by kids reflects their knowledge of science, literature, and global events they learned from the books.
3. Improves theory of mind
Theory of mind (ToM) is the ability to understand that not all people have the same beliefs, desires, and intentions. Reading a fiction story helps the kids to visualize the dramatic scenes in real life. These children are more empathetic to their peers and other people in their life. They develop a more clear understanding of life situations and how to react in those situations. The fictional characters can leave a marking effect on the child’s brain. According to a study, children acted more honestly when confronted with a situation they could lie or cheat, after reading a fiction story of an honest character. I too realized this while raising my son. He too sometimes pretends and relates to some of his favorite book characters.
4. Increases Knowledge
Books are the ultimate source of knowledge. Today there are books for every field of life including science, astronomy, geography, self-help, music, art, and craft, etc. The importance of books in the development of societies and individuals is established from the very beginning of human civilization. The more books you read, the more information you have about the history of the world, the current affairs, discoveries, inventions, medical aids, and various other important aspects of life. Knowledge lays the foundation for wisdom. Kids with sound knowledge of subjects behave in a wiser, intelligent, and mature way. They become confident to tackle the competitive world. We all feel the heat of competition at some point in time in our life, especially in academics and jobs. Reading books boosts the chances to stay ahead in the competition by providing the correct knowledge of the subject.
5. Sharpens Memory
Reading a book keeps the brain active and engages in asserting different words, scenes, and characters depicted in the book, in a collective manner to make a complete meaningful journey of the book story.
According to research, involvement in brain-stimulating activities like reading books and writing preserves memory. A study revealed that people with good reading habits experienced memory loss at a much slower rate than those who didn’t. Exercising the brain with a regular habit of deciphering books right from childhood results in better brain health during older age.
6. Strengthens Writing Skills
Reading different books not only enhances our vocabulary. It also improves a child’s writing abilities. Every author has a different writing style. When we read more books, we are introduced to new words. And how and what words are used in different situations, and scenarios. Analyzing the vocabulary used kids do pick up certain words and use them in their own writing.
Let say for example, when kids learn different subjects at school. They read and learn about the subjects. They certainly can write more confidently about any topic if they practice and study about it.