5 Tips And Essentials How To Promote Reading In Children

importance of reading in childhood

Early childhood is considered to be from 0 to 6 years of age. During this period, children go through different stages where some stimuli attract them more than others, which means that they have a greater flair to learn certain things or through certain techniques.

For example, from the age of 0 to 2 years, learning is mediated by their interactions with adults, especially those who are their caregivers or teachers. In addition, this stage is important because the skills necessary for communication are developed.

5 Tips And Essentials How To Promote Reading In Children

Between the ages of 3 and 4, socialization begins outside the family nucleus, usually due to the fact that children begin the school phase. After 4 years, learning takes place in a more structured manner. The important context of this time is the educational system, always equal to the family or the nearest sebaceous nucleus.

In all of these stages, language plays an important role in a child’s development, both for cognitive processes and for interaction with others. Language in this sense is not limited to the verbal use of words, but is a process through which children give meaning and meaning to the things that surround them. The latter is what allows them to establish a personal identity and communication with others.

One of the practices that specifically encourage the development of language, as well as communication and even affection, is reading. Thus, it is important to encourage reading from early childhood because it allows the child to understand and interact with the world, and also, to understand what is within this space.

How to encourage reading in children?

Reading has to do not only with the ability to understand linguistic cues but also to relate it to the various expressions of culture that surround the signs and narratives they build (Ramirez & de Castro, 2013). It is necessary to communicate, and to establish desires, feelings, and emotions, as well as to externalize them.

1. Make Reading a Meaningful Encounter

When dealing with young children (especially those between 0 and 2 years old), reading is encouraged as an activity that strengthens the bond between the child and the caregivers.

That is, reading must mean something shared because as we have seen, young children learn exclusively in relation to adults. Encouraging meaningful encounters with reading is something that encourages reading itself, as it affects how children see and feel this activity, and therefore, how they will or will receive it later. Will look for it.

Something that can be very simple is reading with them at night, before a nap, or after an activity that requires rest. Doing this over the long term allows them to associate with a moment of relaxation in reading.

2. Use Attractive Materials and Striking Colors

Children learn through the senses (sight, hearing, touch, smell, taste), so it is important to choose stories and materials that are engaging. For example, there are many books that have textures or sounds , and it’s important to look for those who don’t have many complex words or phrases.

When telling stories on their own, it is important to maintain tone and volume of voice that is striking and changes as the story unfolds. In this way we encourage the recognition of emotions and draw the child’s attention to reading.

Another related activity is to make up stories with similar children, especially as they are slightly older. For example, create a story about animals with pictures that an only child chooses, or with family photos. In the same sense, present the parts or elements that have a book (sheets, covers, pictures …) in an attractive way.

3. Allow the child to choose freely

Sometimes children are attracted to the same book over and over again. It is important to give them the freedom to choose the story that captures their attention so that their interest in reading is not hindered.

It is also important to provide different types of reading. There is literature that is written by children, and there is literature that is written for or adapted to children. Something that supports children’s interest in reading, they have many options and present them one by one, so that we allow them to explore their interests and address them independently.

4. Set aside a special and comfortable place to read

While reading is not an activity that falls short in comprehension of words or drawings, our feelings, desires, needs, or moods are at stake; It is also important to study in a comfortable place.

Allocate a special place for reading that can be something for children, which can be according to our possibilities, for example, a sofa for your size, small pillows or rugs, a basket, drawers or different- Bookcase with separate books.

5. Make sure the daily routine includes reading (habit-forming)

Reading can become a habit, and as such, it is an exercise that can be reinforced by constant repetition. Especially when it comes to older children, the habit of reading can be encouraged if we dedicate time daily.

If the child is not used to reading on his own initiative, it is important to do this together with him and invite him through books that are striking (though not us) and discreet. This way you can find reading that interests you, rather than thinking of it as a tedious, obligatory or boring activity .