These are some of the reasons why reading is so

important for children

Why do we tell children to read?

We always tell children that books and reading are

good for them but have we ever really thought why

that’s true? What exactly do older children get out of reading?

novels? What do younger children get when you read to them?

Does reading matter?

The purpose of this article is to say that yes, it is true,

reading is really important, and that there are some solid

reasons why this is so. Let’s start with the practical

benefits and then move on to the less tangible rewards of a

life full of reading

Books help children develop vital language skills

Reading is an important skill that needs to be developed.

In children. It is not only necessary to survive in the world

from schools and (later) universities, but in adult life as

Well. The ability to learn about new topics and find useful

information about anything from health problems and

consumer protection to more academic research on

science or the arts depends on the ability to read.

Futurologists used to predict the death of the printed word

but ironically, the Internet has made reading more and more of a

part of people’s daily lives. The paperless society is a myth.

The computer’s ability to process and analyze data means

that endless variations in reports and other kinds of

documents can be and are generated. Internet, itself a

enormous new source of information and recreation, it is

based on the humble written word. To effectively use the

web and judge the authenticity and value of what is found

there, both reading and critical thinking skills are paramount

importance.

The more children read, the better they become at

reading. It’s as simple as that. The most pleasant

are the things they read, the more they will become attached to them and

develop the reading skills they will need to have full access to

information in his adult life. Reading must be seen

as a pleasurable activity – as a source of entertaining tales

and useful and interesting factual information.

The more young children are read to, the greater their

Interest in mastering reading. Reading aloud exposes

children to correct grammar and writing. improves the

development of their spoken language skills, their ability to

express yourself verbally

Reading, through books, magazines or websites,

expose children to new vocabulary. Even when they don’t

understand each new word, absorb some of

the context that can deepen your understanding of it.

the next time the word is encountered. when parents read

out loud to children, children also listen correctly

pronunciation as they see the words on the page, even if

they still can’t read the words on their own.

Reading can open up new worlds and enrich children

Lives

As mentioned above, reading opens doors – doors to

factual information on any topic on earth, practical or

theoretical. Given the wealth of resources available, such as

Internet, libraries, schools and bookstores, if the children can

read well and if they see reading as a source of information,

then for the rest of their lives they will have access to all

the accumulated knowledge of humanity, access to all

great minds and ideas of the past and present. it really is

Magic!

Through books, children can also learn about people and

places in other parts of the world, improving their

understanding and concern for all humanity. It’s in

in turn, contributes to our sense that we truly live in a

“global village” and can help us achieve a

Peaceful future for all. This can go through

nonfiction but, perhaps even more important, reading

novels set in other places and times can give

children a deeper understanding of others through

identification with individual characters and their difficult situations.

Through stories and novels, children can indirectly prove

new experiences and try new ideas, without negative

consequences in your real life. They can meet characters.

who they will enjoy coming back with to comfort and satisfy them

visits when they reread a treasured book or discover a

continuation. Books also give children the opportunity to flex their

critical thinking skills in areas such as problem solving,

concepts of cause and effect, conflict resolution, and

Acceptance of responsibility for one’s actions. mysteries

allow children to follow the clues to reach their logical conclusions

and try to guess the author. even for very small

children, a simple story with a repetitive refrain or a simple

Mystery to solve gives a confidence boost. children can

predict the patterns and successfully solve the puzzles.

Children are influenced and imitate the world around them.

them. While a steady diet of violent cartoons can have a

detrimental effect on the development of children, carefully

chosen stories and books can have a positive influence on

children, making them sensitive to the needs of others. For

For example, books can encourage children to be more

cooperative, to share with others, to be kind to animals, or to

respect the natural environment.

Reading can improve children’s social skills

Although reading is considered the quintessential

solitary activity, in certain circumstances reading can be a

socializing activity. For example, a parent or grandparent

reading a story aloud, either from traditional print

book or an e-book, it can be a great opportunity for adults

and the child to share quiet and relaxed quality time together

away from the rush and stress of daily work

living. They share a few minutes of precious time, as well as

share the ideas that are contained in the story. Besides,

Older children can be encouraged to read aloud to younger ones.

as a means to improve your relationship.

At school or at story time at the library, books can bring

children together and can be part of a positive sharing

experience. For some preschool-age children, this may be their

prime opportunity to socialize and learn to behave

around other children or how to sit quietly for a group activity.

Make the most of this experience by encouraging children to

talk about what they have read or heard.

Reading can improve hand-eye coordination

It may sound like fun, but eBooks can be a way for children to

to improve their fine motor skills and their hand-eye

coordination, as they click through a child-friendly website or

click on the forward and back buttons of the online story

pages They may also be collecting valuable computer

skills they will need in school and later in life.

Reading can provide children with many good and clean things.

Fun

I have saved the most important point for last. reading can

provide children with endless hours of fun and

fun. All of the above pragmatic reasons are not in

everything necessary to justify the place of reading in the lives of children.

Stories can free the imagination and open up new and exciting

fantasy worlds or reality. They allow children to dream and

can give them a good start on the road to sight reading

as a source of pleasure for life; so read your young

children every day.

Inspire your older children to read. give them access to

lots of reading material they will enjoy and discuss

with them. Try everything: traditional print books and

e-books on the Internet, classic children’s novels and fairy tales,

as well as more modern stories.

If a child wants to hear the same story over and over again

again, don’t worry about it. The children console themselves with the

familiarity and predictability of a beloved story they know

from memory. There is no harm in that. Reread old favorites and,

At the same time, introduce your children to new stories.

Your child’s mind and heart have room for both.

So reading really matters after all.

There are so many ways the reading continues

be a vital skill for children to master, and an important

source of knowledge and pleasure that can last a lifetime.

Cultivate it in your children. Make the most of all

resources that are available and waiting for you: printed

books, online books, magazines, etc. Encourage

follow-up activities involving creative writing skills and the

arts, too, so that your children can reflect or

expand what they have absorbed and, at the same time,

Develop your own creativity. While helping your children appreciate

the magic of reading, you will find that there is a whole

wonderful world full of children’s literature out there that YOU

you can enjoy too.

Barbara Freedman-DeVito ©2004