Featured Article:
The Importance of Reading
Before televisions or computers, reading was a primary leisure activity. The ability to read is an essential skill for learning, and if a child loves reading, they will become more skilled at it. This life-skill will give the child an advantage: They will gain not only knowledge, but also pleasure from the books they are able to read. A child who struggles to read, will struggle with conventional forms of learning and will always be frustrated when required to read. This can affect the child's self esteem and behavior patterns. As a childcare provider you want to prevent that scenario. So, when should we begin to teach a child to learn to read?
The earliest ages are the most formative years. From birth, children are sifting through stimuli and learning how to interact with their surroundings and the people they're in contact with. Reading to a child from infancy on has an influencing affect on all aspects of the child’s development whether the evidence is visible or not. The American Association of Pediatrics recommends initiating a daily routine of reading for infants as well as older children. Currently only 50% of caregivers read to children every day.
Since language is the most utilized form of communication, children who are introduced to books at an early age are more prone to grasp the variances in phonics, which affects language skills and cognitive ability. Reading provides opportunities for physical development. Simply turning the pages of a book aids in fine tuning motor skills. It stimulates the muscles of the eyes and affects chemistry of the body, too, by utilizing the brain. It also has an effect on senses such as sight, sound, touch, and smell.
Children who love reading have comparatively higher IQs. They are more creative and do better in school. It is important to introduce children to lots of reading in the early years. Reading is said to significantly help in developing vocabulary, and reading aloud helps to build a strong emotional bond between a caregiver and a child. Children who start reading from an early age are observed to have good language skills, and they grasp the variances in phonics much better. Reading helps in mental development and is known to stimulate the muscles of the eyes. Reading is an activity that involves greater levels of concentration and adds to the conversational skills of the reader. Reading also helps children to decipher new words and phrases that they come across in everyday conversations. Reading to children strengthens their resolve in learning. One of the major ways to contribute to an interest in reading is to set a good example by reading in front of children. Taking the time to interact with a child through reading helps to re-enforce their development and education.
Helpful Hints:
Reading Comprehension
When we comprehend, we understand the meaning of the words being read. You can help a child learn to focus on the words by reviewing what you read together. Here are 4 helpful hints on how to practice reading comprehension.
By adding just a few simple questions and activities to story time, childcare providers can help children begin to learn about important reading skills.
Creative Corner:
Letter Learning Game
For little ones, learning the letters of the alphabet is a challenging task. All of those lines and curves appear impossible to distinguish, while typical alphabet drills tend to be dull and monotonous. However, disguising letter lessons as a game makes them exceptionally more fun!
Capture a child's interest by creating this alphabet craft project with them. It will help them progress through the stages of letter recognition. As a child helps you cut and build each magnet, they will also be refining their own motor skills, giving this project extra credit!
What You Need:
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From: Education.com
