Early Reading Matters: Give the Love of Reading to Kids

Early Reading Matters! Exposure to books, and a lot of it,  is an essential component of a child’s development. Children who are exposed to books and reading at an early age have a huge advantage in their future academic, work, and personal growth. This blog post aims to shed light on the importance of early reading exposure and the benefits it provides, as well as provide resources and tips for parents and educators to promote early reading in their children.

The Benefits of Early Reading Exposure and Why Early Reading Matters

Early reading exposure has numerous benefits for children:

1. Improved Literacy Skills: One of the most obvious benefits of early reading exposure is improved literacy skills. Children who are exposed to books and reading early in life are more likely to develop strong reading and writing skills as they grow.
2. Enhanced Brain Development: Reading is a cognitively stimulating activity that can enhance brain development in children. Research has shown that children who are exposed to books and reading early in life have improved memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills.
3. Increased Vocabulary and Language Skills: Reading exposes children to a wide range of words and language structures, which can greatly improve their vocabulary and language skills.
4. Better Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: Reading requires children to think critically and engage with the text in a meaningful way, which can help improve their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
5. Improved Social and Emotional Development: Reading with others, such as a parent or teacher, provides opportunities for social and emotional development. Reading books with others can foster communication and strengthen relationships.

How to Promote Early Reading Exposure

Parents and educators can promote early reading exposure in children by:

1. Encouraging a Love for Books: Encouraging a love for books from an early age is crucial for promoting early reading exposure. Parents can read to their children daily, take them to the library, and introduce them to a wide range of books and reading materials.
2. Making Reading a Daily Habit: Making reading a daily habit can help establish a strong foundation for early reading exposure. Parents can set aside time each day for reading with their children and encourage them to read on their own as well.
3. Exploring Different Types of Books: Children benefit from exposure to different types of books and reading materials. Parents can encourage children to read books of different genres, from fiction to non-fiction, and introduce them to different formats such as graphic novels and picture books.
4. Using Educational Toys and Games: Educational toys and games that promote reading skills can be a fun and engaging way to support early reading exposure. Parents can use these products to reinforce reading skills and engage their children in a hands-on and interactive way.

Early Reading Matters, Use the Products that Help Children Love Reading

Products for Parents

1. “Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown
2. “The Cat in the Hat” by Dr. Seuss
3. “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak
4. “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?”
5. “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle
6. “I Spy” series by Jean Marzollo and Walter Wick
7. “Magformers” magnetic building blocks with accompanying educational books
8. “LeapFrog Letter Factory Adventures” DVD and educational toy set
9. “The Reading Eggs” online reading program
10. “The Highlights Hello” magazine for young children

For Educators

1. “The First 100 Words” by Roger Priddy:
2. “The Scholastic Big Book of Phonics Stories” 
3. “The World of Eric Carle” collection of books
4. “The Starfall” online reading program
5. “The Lakeshore Phonics Games and Activities Kit”
6. “The LeapFrog Epic Academy Edition” tablet with accompanying educational software and apps
7. “The ELMO MX-P
8. “The Learning Resources Crossword Puzzle and Word Building Sets”
9. “The Reading A-Z” leveled reading books and accompanying resources for educators

 

The benefits of early reading exposure in childhood are numerous. Reading can help improve literacy skills, enhance brain development, increase vocabulary and language skills, improve critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and even improve social and emotional development. By encouraging a love for books, making reading a daily habit, and exploring different types of books and reading materials, parents and educators can help ensure that children get the exposure to reading they need. Products such as books, educational toys and games, reading games and activities, and technology can also be used to support early reading exposure and promote a love for reading. As you can see, early reading matters.

For more on teaching kids how to read, check out this post about phonological awareness.

References:

• Bus, A. G., & van IJzendoorn, M. H. (2011). Phonological awareness and early reading: A meta-analysis of experimental training studies. Journal of Educational Psychology, 103(2), 403–414. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0022472
• Snow, C. E., Burns, M. S., & Griffin, P. (Eds.). (1998). Preventing reading difficulties in young children. National Academy Press.
• Anderson, R. C., Wilson, P. T., & Fielding, L. G. (1988). Growth in reading and how children spend their time outside of school. Reading Research Quarterly, 23(3), 285–303. https://doi.org/10.2307/747700