Books are really important for our children’s development and there is no need to convince anyone about that . There are some doubts regarding books that I would like to underline today.
I will try to answer two questions regarding reading with kids:
- Reading the same book all over again (so commonly asked from the small children).
- Reading aloud to bigger kids.
I think every parent knows that feeling, when asked for a billion’s time again to read the same book, want to run away. At the slogan “Once again, please”, I want to throw a book behind the wardrobe.
But… it turns out, we should bite our teeth and read it ones again, because … from reading the same books, children’s brain develops faster.
As research shows, reading the same books over and over again develops the vocabulary. Although we think it’s still the same words and reading this once again is a waste of time.
Why is this happening?
First of all, the human brain needs repetition.
Otherwise he will recognize the information with useless and forget it. Repetition makes the brain think “It is important that PEPPA PIG says that I have to hurry, because the kindergarten is waiting.” He remembers and thanks to the fact that we repeat it even a dozen or so times, better remember them.
Reading the same books will make children read more quickly.
Did you hear about Glen Doman’s global reading method? It consists in the fact that we do not teach the child letters, only she reads the word as an image. She associates a given combination of letters with the meaning that we read to the child. After a dozen or even several dozen repetitions, a child who does not know the letters, knows that where the “cat” is written, he has to read the “cat”. This is what happens when you read the same book repeatedly. The condition is reading so that the child can see the letters well, and we can even follow them with your finger.
If we are still reading the same to a child, it is very likely that he will imitate the hero.
That is why it is worth to buy valuable books for children, and they will enjoy reading about cleaning, washing, brushing teeth and making a bed. It is the same as if we participated in an inspiring training. We listen, we repeat, and on our return, we have a huge desire to do it at home.
Recognition of details
Thanks to repeated reading of the same text, we can more accurately see the details that we did not see the first time. I am always amazed by children who can see such a completely invisible (at first glance) element in the book.
Reading the same book over and over gives a sense of security
It’s like the blanket that we can hug when we get it wrong. The brain quickly remembers nice moments and erases the bad ones. If the reading is accompanied by an atmosphere full of love, understanding, the child wants to repeat it many times, because his brain needs love for proper development.
Develops auditory memory
You know it – you read, you lost a word or a few words from the text (ups..). And your child immediately (!) let you know that you missed something. This is how the auditory memory works, which is necessary for later learning.
Melody of expression
By reading the same text, the child also remembers the tone of your voice, the melody and no wonder he wants to repeat it, because he associates it with something good and developmental.
I wonder why WE often have enough of this?
It’s simple – we already know it and our brain does not see reading the same book for the fiftieth time as attractive – that’s why it bores us. Adults read books for other purposes and the fact that once again we read Peppa Pig……. is simply boring.
Why reading aloud to bigger kids is still so important?
There are some good reasons not to stop reading to children, even when they get bigger — to entice them to become lifelong readers:
- Reading grows a child’s vocabulary. The language in books is generally more sophisticated and richer than in conversation.
- Reading to a child increases their attention span.
- Reading to children plants their interest in books and thus grows their desire to start reading themselves.
- Reading to children can be a good opportunity, using the story, to discuss certain difficult issues / life choices.
- Children generally have a higher listening level than reading level, so you can read more serious and captivating books to them than they would be able to read themselves — thus motivating them to keep reading.
- Books widen your world! The wider your world, the more you understand and can empathies.
- Bonding with your children over books is really fun. And it is a great way to read books you missed out of as a child!
Christmas time is actually a great moment to read together with your youngest ( and older kids!), under worm cozy blankets with a cup of tea.
Books are one of the best ideas for gifts as well! I made already a list of my favorites Christmas books for children, maybe you may be inspired:
Enjoy your reading!
