Thursday, 14 April 2022

The benefits of reading to preschoolers and toddlers

On your lap or in the big bed with mom or dad listening to your favorite book, while you looked at the pictures. Who doesn't remember?


But reading aloud is so much more than beautiful memories! Among other things, you stimulate your child's language development. What other benefits does reading to your toddler or preschooler (or older kids) have? We'll break it down for you.


The (read) parts!

Before we start: choose the right book. Because if things go wrong there, you can forget the whole reading. A book that does not appeal, is recognizable or is in line with your child's experience, will not work. And beautiful illustrations are certainly a must for the little ones!


Making memories

Reading is a moment of conviviality and one-on-one time. For instance you and your child are sitting in a Super cozy position.  hope that they will have as fond memories of this as of your mother who read to you in her wonderful language.

Start early

Young learned, old is done! It may seem crazy to read to you so early, but the advice is to start in infancy. Besides being super cozy with such a chubby cooing baby on your lap, it is very good for their language development.


Don't stop reading too early either! 40% of children aged 6-11 who are no longer read to at home would prefer it to continue. So don't be ashamed to read them until they are 13 or older if you and your child like it. In addition, many children in secondary school read less, by reading to them you keep them interested. Did you know that there are even teachers in pre nursery schools in pune who still read aloud?


Tip! Take into account the tension of your little one and don't push through, that makes reading an unpleasant experience. If after three pages he demonstratively closes the book with your fingers in between, then he's probably done with it.

To bed, to bed said

Reading to us is a very important part of the bedtime ritual. It is a relaxing moment with children and it is also a clear end to the day.


Tip! Really too tired? Set up a listening story, because this also stimulates your child's vocabulary and reading pleasure. Spotify is full of them!

Again!

Read 'Snuffy and the fire' for the hundredth time. You can now recite the book backwards, but your child will love it! And that is for a reason: the first time they discover the story, the second (and hundredth) time it is a feast of recognition. In addition, they always discover something new in the pictures or the story.


Tip! To make it less sleep-inducing for yourself, you can come up with topics to talk about after reading: the theme, the characters, maybe your child has experienced something like this himself?

Seeing Dad Read Makes You Read

Set an example and read in front of your child. Both mom and dad! Because research shows that it is mainly the moms who read to them, while a reading dad is invaluable. Especially for their sons. It contributes to the improvement of reading behavior and a possible reading delay, which occurs more often in boys. It also breaks through the stereotypical image of reading as a women's hobby. Go daddy!

Language development

Reading aloud contributes enormously to the language development of your child. He learns new words and sentence structures. But he also learns to predict (what would happen next?) and to listen carefully. The foundation for this is laid in kindergarten. The more and the earlier they come into contact with language, the better their start will be in group 3/4 where the real reading begins. To encourage them, many schools also have a library, where the children can choose a book themselves. We love seeing what they take home with them. It often completely deviates from my expectations, but it gives an insight into their interests and what goes on in that head of theirs.

Fantasy

Reading aloud does something with your imagination. Small children who are not yet able to read themselves, dream away at the pictures. Later, when they can read, they form the images in their minds to accompany the story. The little ones can sometimes really get lost in a story.

Something for everyone

There are so many types of books that you can give your child. As long as it matches his interests. Does your child have a dinosaur obsession? Read a book about it together, it can be a story but also a book with facts about dinosaurs. There are also outright interactive books that you can read that use a special pen to get even more information. Often you can also perform commands, such as “find the t-rex”, to learn even more about the subject. By doing it together, you also learn something from it!


And don't underestimate the value of comic books and magazines. There are many magazines aimed at children of all ages. 

Later

But what added value do Jip & Janneke, Miffy and Liselotje have for later? Very valuable! Because reading aloud makes your child smarter and can learn better. And they enjoy that for the rest of their lives.


In addition, children who have been read to, and who continue to read, have a much greater capacity for empathy. They recognize other people's emotions better and can put themselves in other people's shoes more easily. This also allows them to work better together. So do you want to prevent your child from becoming a blunt farmer later on?

Reading breakfast

To draw attention to reading to young children, organize Reading Days once a year. At primary school in pune, the library, playgroup or daycare center, your child can enjoy a nice breakfast while listening to the Picture Book of the Year. Well-known people or local heroes then read it aloud. Not every primary school participates, but perhaps a reading breakfast will be organized at another location in your area! A fun outing is guaranteed!


Top Early Learning Choices: Best Nursery and Preschools in Pune

 Every parent dreams of giving their child the best start in life. The first few years are the most important for growth, learning, and over...