(modify or ask permission from https://fstoppers.com/originals/richard-johnsons-imagination-series-will-stir-your-imagination-3964)
A new brain scan study explains that reading to children early and often activates that part of the brain that allows them to understand the meaning of language.
The General & Community Paediatrics of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Centre in Ohio used magnetic resonance imaging or MRI scans to 19 preschool children while they listened to stories. This is the first time such approached was used to test the effects of reading to children.
A survey was also handed out to parent to find out about the children’s reading environment at home, how frequent they are read to and how varied their reading materials are.
Results show a significant positive relationship exclusively between the reading score and activation in the part of the brain associated with imagery and multi-modal semantic processing.
In other words, children in stimulating reading environments at home are better at narrative comprehension and visual imagery.
This finding adds to the growing list of positive effects of reading to young children. Such effects backed by research are: teaching the rules of syntax, expanding children’s vocabulary and helping children bond with their parents.
So how do we pick the right book for our children?
Experts believe that there are books appropriate for the age of each child.
Note that this should serve as a guide and it does not aim to limit the kind of books you wish to read to your child.
Newborns:
Babies will enjoy books with high contrast colours. This is because their eyes are not yet as developed as ours.
Books with rhyming text are also a great choice. Your voice together with the rhymes will create a soothing, reliable rhythm for your child.
Older Babies:
At 6 months old, your child will start showing endless curiosity and they explore their world by chewing, pointing and babbling.
Books are no exception, so you may want to give your children board books and activity books.
Board books are sturdy and they can withstand chewing, pulling and tossing more than non-board books.
Activity books include popup books, lift-the-flap books, touchy-feely books and other books that encourage children to explore.
Toddlers (1-3 years old)
Most parents are tempted to get workbooks that drill children about letters and numbers around this age. However, it is best to choose books that introduce basic themes and start a conversation about a topic or concept.
Picture books are best for this age as it does not only provide wonderful illustration but also a more elaborate plot from subjects ranging from alphabet, animals, feelings and other favourite things.
Bedtime books will always be a hit even for this age, plus, it may serve as a way to calm your toddler before sleeping after a day of play.
There are also counting books, alphabet books and books about shapes and colours that you may read to your child while teaching him/her the basics.
Preschool (3-5 years old)
By this age, your child language develops rapidly. Stock on picture books that can be read aloud or read alone. Make sure these books have bright, big pictures that you can talk about during and after reading.
Buy books that have your child’s favourite character or subject to make sure that your child will look forward to reading it again (and again and again).
Books with rhyming texts are a great way to entertain children and at the same time expose your child to reading words with predictable letter sound combinations.
Activity books for this age will provide vital learning skills and endless entertainment while classic tales and bedtime books would always be something children this age will enjoy as well.
Now that you picked the right book for your child:
Pick the right spot
(please modify, picture from http://octaviaandvicky.com/home/reading-nook-inspiration)
Choose a comfortable, well-lit area in the house away from any distractions like the TV, computers and phones.
Put all your child books neatly in that area and be a good model in how books should be handled and packed away after reading.
You may even decorate that spot in your house together with your child to make it more special.
Make it a habit
(modify from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bedtime_story)
Maximise the positive effects of reading to your child.
Make reading books together a part of your daily schedule. Having a routine gives comfort especially to very young children. It signals them of what activity and behaviour is expected. If reading becomes a routine, it would not be hard to ask your child to sit with you and listen to a story.
Pick a time of the day when you can spend some time with your child to read a book – it could be in the morning after breakfast or before naptime or bedtime or any time in between. So long as it is about the same time each day (it does not need to follow the clock but the activity before or after it).
Treat this time as a time for you and your child to bond and not as an additional chore. Your child will feel the attitude you have about reading and will copy the same – so let him/her know you love reading.
Give lots of encouragement
Read the story loud and clear and let your child savour every word.
Point to the pictures in the book and encourage your child to notice the details of the illustration by asking questions.
Point at the words as you read and pause if there is a “big” word encountered.
Always ask questions about the story after reading.
Start now
Experts believe that reading to children should start as early as possible – even while they are still in the mother’s womb.
If you have not started yet, start now. It is never too early or too late.
Imagine
The fun should not stop after reading. Invite your child to imagine the characters or the events in the story by asking questions about the sequence of events, the who, what, when, where and why.
You may even ask your child a what if – what if something else happened instead?
Or ask your child to make up another character for the story – the possibilities are endless!
Read everything!
Reading words should not end in books. Read everything in the house and outside. Point at words and read them so your child will realize the importance of reading in daily life.
And lastly, remember to have fun!
Don’t worry if you think you are not a good storyteller or if you do not have all the props. Just read to your child and do it with love.
Your child will thank you for it.
Happy reading!