Read Aloud, Help Your Child Grow Smarter
If your child is over two and a half to three years old and has started understanding spoken words, you should start reading books to them and do so regularly. According to doctors at the Cleveland Clinic, parents should read books to their children from an early age. Reading books with your children creates a happy bond between you and your child, which increases the chances that they will enjoy reading books in the future.
Apart from this, an important benefit of reading books to children is that it supports both their physical and mental health. Experts believe that even though small children may not understand the meaning of all the words, the habit of reading books to them can act as a kind of ‘superfood’ for their brain development.
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Talking During Storytelling Activates the Brain
Additionally, scientists believe that talking to children between the ages of five and eight while reading or telling them a story can better activate their brains. Simply reading a book aloud may not be enough to improve a child’s cognitive development. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has found significantly greater brain activity in five-year-olds when they were talked to during storytelling.
Benefits of Reading Books Aloud
Strengthens the Bond with Parents
Reading books to your child strengthens your relationship with them and develops their sense of belonging and security. This not only brings your child closer to you but also helps them grow and learn through the love and attention they receive.
Improves Understanding of Language and Words
By reading books to children, they begin to hear new words at an early age, which are stored in their memory. Later, they may learn to speak more quickly and express themselves better.
Increases Imagination
Young children naturally have the ability to dream and use their imagination. Furthermore, when parents read books to their children, they learn to use their imagination more effectively. A child’s imagination can also contribute to better academic performance.
Improves Concentration
Young children can concentrate for only short periods of time and may find it difficult to focus for long periods. However, when parents regularly read books to their children, it can lead to positive behavioural changes. Children may become more interested in books, learn to remain disciplined and develop better concentration. Their memory may also improve.
Improves Vocabulary
Children learn new words while reading and listening to books. The more words a child knows, the better their ability to put ideas into words. When children listen to stories being read aloud, they become more familiar with the language used in books. This helps them develop their vocabulary and language skills.
