Reading opens the door to imagination. I still remember the Disney storybooks I read as a young girl. Even when I didn't know how to read, my mom used to read it out for me. Most books I read back then were comic books or stories with pictures. I could figure out what was happening in the story even though I couldn't read. I used to imagine myself as a princess on adventures and create a lot of scenarios. During the summer holidays, when my cousins visited, we would dress up as our favourite Disney princesses. Whenever they come over, we still laugh, reminiscing about those moments in our childhood. It is still one of my most beautiful memories I miss the most. The fact that I had fantasy books, Disney cartoons and bedtime stories from my parents made this possible.
So let me summarise why reading is essential for young kids. Watching cartoons on YouTube interests most of them, but they have yet to taste the beauty of reading and visualizing a movie of their own.
Adventure: Taking part in reading is an exciting adventure and a way to discover new worlds, meet new characters and discover new emotions. As a kid, we were never allowed outside our homes because it was dangerous. The only time we could go outside was to play with nearby friends. So, how do you go on these risky, illogical adventures that only make sense to you? By reading! Once your kids realize this, they will never stop reading books.
Knowledge: As a kid, I always loved 'amazing. Facts' that appeared on the corner of GK books. Reading is a way to learn new things, understand the world, and expand your imagination. Whether it's history, science or fiction- books are a source of knowledge that can help you grow and learn. Don't you think it's impressive when your kid comes up to you and tells you a fact that you don't know? Don't you feel a little proud of them at the moment? Well, that can only happen if you buy them those little books. Buying the book isn't enough; you must pay attention to their interests when they are trying to read. It will help you find their favourite genre of books.
Empathy: Reading about different characters and perspectives enhances empathy and understanding of others- leading to kinder, more compassionate behaviour. Some storybooks make you cry, and other stories leave a smile on your face. At times, when something terrible happens in a story, you think of alternate scenarios that could have made the story better or happier. A kid can't meet different kinds of people and know how the world works, but reading books can help them understand their world. It can give them an idea of how some people are trustworthy, cunning, brave and courageous in their own ways.
Fun: Reading can be a fun and enjoyable activity you can do alone or with friends. Reading can be like going to a park with your friends. You can lose yourself in a book, whether laughing at a joke or feeling suspense in a mystery. If you are busy and can't take your kids to a park, read them a story and try to make it an interactive and fun experience for them. They will always prefer storytelling time with you above all other fun activities. Not only are you encouraging your kids to read, but you are creating a core memory with your child.
Self Expressions: By reading, you can develop your tastes and preferences and find books you love. Kids often bombard you with questions when they do not understand something. 'Mommy, why is the duck sad? Why did this happen, that happened?' explain it to them softly rather than getting annoyed. Reading is also a way to express yourself and share your thoughts and opinions with others. Don't you love it when they say their feelings to you? When they are sad, upset, or mad, they realize that these are common emotions everybody feels. Reading can help you achieve emotional intelligence, one of the most essential qualities a human must have.
Encourage the child to ask questions and express their thoughts and opinions about reading. Never let their curiosity die. The key is to help the child see the joy and value in reading and encourage them to discover the books and genres they love.
When do you plan to buy the next book for your child?
Do you think reading is important?
Yes, I definitely do
Nah, it's just a waste of time
Reading? What's reading
Comments