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Why reading with your child is so important |
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The ten important skills which are developed and enhanced through reading:
- Vocabulary - putting names to pictures helps to develop a child’s vocabulary and they start to learn that the black squiggly shapes on the page represent words.
- Grammar – as a child listens, they start to understand language structure and grammar and this helps them to put their own sentences together correctly.
- Pronunciation – when a child hears someone speak the words on a page it helps them learn how those words should be pronounced.
- Understanding and interpreting – reading with your child and discussing books teaches them to think about what they are hearing, a very important skill which will stand them in good stead when they start school.
- Memory – as a child becomes familiar with a story, they start to remember what happens next and may even be able to recite the words as you read!
- Communication – as a child’s language develops they are able to ask questions and express their feelings and concerns.
- Imagination – children learn to anticipate what is going to happen next in the story. This helps to stimulate their imagination and develop their ability to be creative…a vital skill when you have to start writing your own stories at school!
- Increased knowledge of the world – reading books and talking about them stimulates a child’s curiosity and this will encourage them to ask questions, an important part of reading with your child.
- Attention span – a child who has opportunities to sit and listen to stories will learn to be more focused and this will help to increase their attention span.
- Preparation for reading – children learn to understand how books work – how pages turn, that we read from the front of the book to the back, from left to right and top to bottom. This is good preparation for formal reading when they get to school.
Reading plays a vital part in a child’s education and provides a good foundation for many of the skills a child needs for future success…. you can never start reading and sharing books with your child too early!
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