Why should children read?

Reading has many benefits to children. This includes parents reading to their child and the child reading independently.

Assisted cognitive development:

Cognitive development ****is the development of knowledge, skills and problem solving. Overall, it is the development of understanding the world around them. Reading deepens the understanding of the world around them in a range of topics. This helps them make connections with what they see and hear around them.

Developing empathy:

Reading puts children in the shoes of a multitude of characters with different feelings and emotions. Children will be able to relate to these emotions and will begin to empathise with those around them better. They will also gain a better understanding of different emotions which will help them understand things they feel and how others feel.

Deeper understanding:

Books take place in different countries and worlds. Therefore, reading will teach them about different people, places and cultures which they wouldn’t of learnt about otherwise. This teaches them that other people are different than them and that it should be celebrated.

Parent-child bond:

When a parent reads to their child, they are receiving their full attention which makes them feel loved and important. Parents can talk to their children about the book they are reading and they can share how it makes them feel. This encourages children to be open with their parents and provides a safe space for them. Overall, their bond with each other with strengthen.

Education:

Reading has many benefits on a child’s intellectual skills.