Why is reading so important for kids?

Reading offers numerous benefits to kids. Reading not only helps kids learn, but it can also be
used for entertainment and relaxation. Whether your child is a budding bookworm or they are just learning to read, here are some great reasons why parents should encourage reading at home…

Expands knowledge.

The more you read, the more you learn! An independent school in Letchworth Garden City believes that by encouraging your child to read regularly, you can help to expand their knowledge and spark their imagination. This will not only help them academically, but it will also help them socially too. 

Increases vocabulary
Reading books, websites, magazines or other written material has been proven to increase your
vocabulary. When your child discovers new words, ask them to write these words down and then
use a dictionary, or the internet to learn their meaning. This will help to enhance their vocabulary
and will also benefit their writing skills.

Improves writing skills
Regular reading will give your child a better understanding of good sentence structure and the
rhythm of words. They will learn how to write well and how to effectively tell a story. If your child
enjoys a particular book, try to find other books written by the same author. You could even set a
challenge for your child to write their own ending to one of the stories.

Aids relaxation
If your child struggles with stress or has trouble sleeping, reading could be the answer! Following a good story can help your child to forget about their worries and begin to relax. Next time your
child feels stressed, introduce them to a new book and let their imagination take them away to
somewhere new. My daughters love to have a snuggle while we read a book before bed.

What can parents do to encourage reading?

 Always try to include reading into your everyday activities. Even something as simple as asking your child to read a recipe or a menu can be great practice. It is also important to show an interest in your child’s reading and ask questions about the story or topic. Reading together at bedtime is a nice way to show your interest and keep up a good routine.

Finally, as lovely as it is to buy books for your child, it is important to let kids choose what they read. It doesn’t matter if they choose a comic book or a magazine, the more engagedwith what they are reading, the more likely they are to enjoy it and to retain the information.

Laura x