As a parent, you have probably heard someone say that reading to children from pregnancy and the first years of life is very important. A study published in 2018 brought scientific evidence on this subject.
The study, led by pediatrician Dr. John Hutton, revealed that, even if they live with screens and various electronic devices, children’s books are the most appropriate incentive for the little ones of the alpha generation to develop and integrate different brain connections.
For example, we can say that reading to children is much more than telling a story.
During family reading time, the little ones are stimulated their hearing, activating different brain areas, giving wings to their imagination and creating unique memories with their parents, strengthening the affective bond between them.
Below we show you five benefits of reading for children and how each contributes to the integral development of children.
Then you can check out the main literary genres of children and see tips to encourage this habit at home.
Helps with school performance
Within the literacy and learning processes, children with a family reading routine perform better at school. This happens because they have a larger vocabulary, a better relationship with writing, in addition to more developed notions about colors, shapes and sounds, and also the ease of absorbing new content.
Creativity and imagination stimulated during family reading times also aid in the communication and social interaction of the little ones at school.
expand the repertoire
Children’s books are the gateway to different worlds. In the stories, full of fun and adventure, children discover new realities, become rooted in their favorite characters and start imagining and creating their own stories.
This develops the visual, cultural and creative repertoire of the little ones. Which ensures more openness to deal with and deal with the diversity and plurality in the world.
reduces anxiety
Living with technology has the rates of childhood fear in children born after 2010. Therefore, stopping to read a book as a family helps the little ones break away from the screens and invites them to relax outside the technological environment.
While having fun with the stories, children share special family moments. This strengthens affective bonds, reduces anxiety and provides a safe space for the development of social-emotional intelligence.
Stimulates the brain
The habit of reading children’s books with children activates different brain regions, increasing and expanding connections between neurons.
For this reason, scholars say that developing the habit of reading in childhood and maintaining it throughout the little ones’ growth stimulates the mind and prevents the onset of diseases in the brain in adult life.
Strengthens affective bonds
Reading to children is a special moment of connection between parents and children, who leave their activities to enjoy quality time together.
As they read, families share emotions, laughter and discoveries with the little ones. This creates special memories that will remain in the minds and hearts of your children forever.
See also: Research shows the benefits of reading to children
What to read to children?
Once you know the benefits of reading in childhood, it is also important to know what the main literary genres for children are. That way, choosing the ideal book to read with children becomes easier.
Next, we list the favorite categories of the little ones when it comes to reading.
legends and myths
Legends are popular stories passed down from generation to generation that can present different versions depending on the region where it is told. Some examples of this literary genre are the folklore legends with the stories of the Boto cor-de-rosa and the Curupira.
Myths, in turn, are stories involving magical and even supernatural beings, as is the case with the stories of Greek mythology.
fables
Fables are made up of short stories and are texts usually accompanied by a moral that tries to convey important lessons to children.
One of the most famous fables is the story of the hare and the tortoise, the ant and the cicada, and the fox and the grapes.
chronicles
The chronicles are stories that present in their narrative elements of the child’s daily life. In this way, the little ones can identify with the text to participate in solving the presented problem.
This literary genre stimulates the development of child protagonismin addition to encouraging children’s autonomy.
stories
Stories are short stories in which the characters have to face a challenge or solve a particular problem.
The most famous stories of this genre are fairy tales, in which children are inspired by the attitude of characters.
How to read to children
To ensure family reading is an enjoyable time for little ones, it is important to know how to read to children of all age groups.
Babies up to 2 years
- Even in the womb, babies can already recognize sounds, so reading for this age group can start before birth.
- To stimulate the contact of the little ones with the stories, you can read small fragments every day.
- Don’t forget to make gestures and facial expressions and change your voice as you read.
- As the child develops, he will be able to observe and touch the pages of the book. At this stage, it is important to observe the sounds and expressions of the child when interacting with books.
3 to 5 years
- As you read, ask questions about the characters in the story to stimulate children’s curiosity.
- Encourage the child to tell their own version of the story.
- Ask the little ones about the order of the story as they read a repeated book.
- If the text has another word, explain the meaning as you read. In this way, the child can expand his vocabulary.
6 to 8 years
- Encouraging reading aloud is important as children in this age group are in the literacy process.
- Even if you are learning to read, you should read aloud to the child.
- Have the child suggest new reading topics and take the opportunity to stimulate dialogue based on the chosen preferences.
- At this age, the child begins to have more activities in his routine, so it is important to ensure that reading is a fun time and not an obligation.
9 years or older
- As children in this age group mature, you can start presenting different literary genres.
- Have the child read it to the family and explain what they learned from the story.
- Continue to share reading moments with the child so that family ties and learning are strengthened.
Family reading and fun with the Inside Story Club
you children’s book clubs have helped many families to encourage reading in a fun and continuous way. Receiving children’s books on a monthly basis makes it easier for parents and carers to choose the stories to be read with the children during reading times.
At Clube Dentro da História you will receive a monthly reading pack with a personalized book and activities to encourage reading and family fun.
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