There are several benefits of reading in Children:
1. Improves concentration:Making reading a regular habit makes focus and concentration better in children. This is an important skill for children, which will help them pick up lessons faster in school.
2. Strengthens the memory: A great way to boost memory is by reading books. To read a book, one need to remember the characters, places, events etc. These are skills that enhance the memory of the child.
3. Exercise for the brain: Reading is a great way to exercise the brain. The child is likely to learn faster if his brain is active. The more the brain is active, more likely is the child to learn things faster.
4. Boost critical thinking: Reading enhances comprehension and analytical skills.
5. Building vocabulary skills: Reading exposes the child to a world of new words and expands their language skills, this is the best way for them learn and understand language.
6. Enhances Imagination: Reading introduces a child to the world of imagination. Through reading we go into the visual details of characters, places, event and sequences. This is a great skill for a child to learn things in a more enjoyable way at school.
As parents, we want our kids to pick up reading as a habit. Here are a few tips to get you started
1. Reading to your child: Make reading a daily routine. A few minutes daily will make a huge difference. It also helps, build a bond with your child.
2. Reading with your child: Practicing reading with someone a child trust, helps them pick up the skill better. Reading with your child is a great way to pick up the skill and maintain the interest in the child.
3. Visit nearby libraries: Make library visits regular in your routine. Get your children library cards. If there are more books than toys at homes,it is more likely that your child will pick up a book than a toy.
4. Give books as gifts: One good strategy is to gift children books on special occasions than toys or accessories.
5. Give them opportunity to read: Allow the child to read sign boards or news paper headlines, or post card or a tag line, these help the child to want to read even when alone.
6. Encourage word play: Play word games with children to help them want to read and learn new words.
7. Develops empathy: Reading helps the child connect with their emotions, the more they read ,they relate to the characters and their emotions. This helps them relate better with people in their real life.
Following are some of the age wise book recommendation for children:
Books
4 years- 8 year`s
1.The Mitten by Jan Brett
2.Ramona by Beverly Cleary
3.Mercy Watson series by Kate DiCamillo
4.Bread and Jam for Francis by Russell Hoban
5.Little monkeys gets lost by Kuntie Ramdat
6.Pinkalicious by Victoria Kann
7.Playtime by Sanjiv Jaiswal
8.Of Thee I Sing by Barack Obama
9.Paula Deen’sMy First Cookbook
10.Amelia Bedelia series by Peggy Parish
11.Grandma’s bag of story by Sudha Murty
12.Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
13.Skippyjon Jones by Judy Schachner
14.Indra Finds happiness by Devdutt Pattanaik.
9 years -12 years
1. Mr. Poppers Penguins by Richard Atwater
2. Adventures of Rusty by Ruskin bond
3.The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
4.Charlie & the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
5.Malgudi school days by RK Narayanan
6.Hardy Boys series by Franklin W. Dixon
7.Luka and the fire of Life by Salman Rushdie
8.Nancy Drew series by Carolyn Keene
9.Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
10.Wedding clothes by Asha Nehmeah
11.Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
12.Wayside School series by Louis Sachar
13.Stuart Little by E.B. White
14.The famous five by Enid Blyton.
References:
1. https://www.pearson.com/uk/learners/primary-parents/learn-at-home/help-your-child-to-enjoy-reading/why-is-reading-so-important.html
2. https://www.pearson.com/uk/learners/primary-parents/learn-at-home/help-your-child-to-enjoy-reading/why-is-reading-so-important.html
3. https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/book-reviews-and-recommendations-preschool-to-elementary-ages-4-8
About the Author:
Vineeta Thomas has extensive experience in the education section. She has worked in the spaces of community development and action research. Child development and the effect of parenting on the same is an area of interest. She writes basis her real life experience having interacted with students and parents cutting across age groups. Vineeta is based in Chennai and is a hands on Mamma
