Reading with children is not only a fun bonding activity, but it also encourages extensive brain stimulation. Carol Anne St. George, EdD explains that reading with children increases their vocabulary, expands their understanding of the world and builds their sense of independence and confidence. Reading about things they love or even dislike builds a foundation of logic and problem solving skills, which often translates to better academic performance (Warner School of Education, 2019). To cultivate a love for reading in children at an early age it is recommended that adults:

Read with Children

Source: http://www.Freepik.com

An essential part of creating a good relationship between parent and child is spending quality time together. Reading to children is an excellent way to spend time with them and can start as early as infancy. Engaging an infant through reading should include the use of books with high contrast images, audio and/or touch and feel components, which will help to enhance the child’s visual and brain development (Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 2022). As they get older, reading together can become a routine where they are allowed to choose different books and practice their oral skills by reading aloud.

Allow Children to Re-create the Stories (Pretend Play)

Reading stories with relatable themes can encourage conversations about current life events (Sheldon-Dean, 2024). While reading, children may ask questions about the plot, setting and characters of the story, they may even share their expectations on the outcome of the story. Always encourage children to provide alternative endings and their opinions on the actions of the characters.  This activity would allow for development of their cognitive, decision-making capacity and socio-emotional development.

Source: http://www.PBS Kids.com

Write Your Own Books

          Source: http://www.Favecrafts.com

Another great way to improve cognitive and socio-emotional development is to allow children to create their own stories. Reading with children engages the imagination and creativity which facilitates the exploration of different people, places, time and events (Children’ Bureau, 2023). Widening a children’s imagination will also widen their interest in exploration. Encourage them to create their own fictional worlds, rules and people. It may be easier at first to allow them to recreate stories that were read, but over time their capacity for creation will increase and they will be able to create their own characters and story line.

Cultivating a love for reading begins from as early as conception; it is encouraged that expectant parents read to their fetuses’, as this solidifies early bonds between parents and child.  Reading together as a family is one of the best things you can do to help your child grow into a reader and a successful learner (Price, 2017). Let’s cultivate a love for reading!!!! Grab a few books and make reading a habit today, so it will be a part of your children’s future.