Many experts have said that reading is very good for children’s brain development. Unfortunately, most children don’t like this activity because it’s boring. Here are a number of tips so that children are diligent in reading that parents can do from an early age. Come on, watch to the end!
Why is Reading Books So Important?
The benefits of reading for children cannot be underestimated, you know, Jovians. Reading, especially for children, is very beneficial for children’s education, social and cognitive development, welfare and children’s mental health.
One study describes the effects of reading on children’s literacy skills later in life, facilitating social interactions between adults and children, and encouraging children to engage with the world around them. Reporting from the Hub, here are a number of benefits of reading in children.
Helps Cognitive Development
Cognitive development refers to intelligence, reasoning, language development, and ways of processing information. By reading, parents can provide a deep understanding of the world and fill the little one’s brain with knowledge. Then, children will use this knowledge to understand what they see and hear, which helps their cognitive development.
Good Empathy
When reading a book, children will put themselves into the story. This makes it possible to develop empathy, by identifying the character’s feelings. Children can then use this understanding to empathize in the real world with others.
On the other hand, children will also gain a better understanding of emotions, so that they can understand their own emotions and those of others.
Increase knowledge
Books can take us anywhere; to another city, another country, or even a fantasy world. By reading, children will learn about people, places, and events that give them an understanding of the different things and cultures around them.
Close Bonding with Parents
Parents who read with their children regularly are bound to have a stronger bond. Reading gives parents the opportunity to create a ‘special time’ that gives children the sense of care, love and trust that are key to parenting.
Tips for Children to Read Diligently
It is easier for children to build reading habits if they enjoy reading time. You can do these tips so that children are diligent in reading.
Start Early
Even if your little one is still a baby, they can see pictures and hear their parents’ voices. Read the storybook aloud and show the children pictures of the book. This will give the child an understanding of the world and increase the vocabulary of the language.
Be an example for children
Did you know that children tend to imitate the habits of their parents? In this way, you can build a love for reading in your child. Invite children to read together and make this activity routine so that children feel reading is an important activity
Make it a Routine
Do reading activities with children consistently, it is better if done as a bedtime activity, it can be a way to make children like reading. Make sure the atmosphere in the room is more relaxed and read the contents of books to children clearly. Children will associate books with the familiar voices of their parents, which helps establish a positive relationship between children and books.
Read Various Variants of Books
Try to vary the books read to your child as much as possible. This will open their eyes to different worlds, cultures and characters, allowing their imaginations to flourish.
Respect Children’s Books
Just like food, children have a preference for books that they like. Encourage children to express what they like from the books they read, then increase the types of books that children like.
Invite a Discussion
After reading the book with the child, invite the child to discuss the story told. The questions given can be adjusted according to the age of the child. For example, who is his favorite character, why is the character happy at the end of the story, etc.
Choose Series Book
Choosing a popular book series may be preferred by children, because it helps children understand the characters and themes in the next book so that it is easier to understand.
Be patient
The last tip so that children are diligent in reading is to be patient. When your child says an unfamiliar word, give him time and praise afterward. Repeat the sentence together until the child understands, and try not to force him to go faster. Generally, impatient parents make their children feel depressed and hate this activity.