It’s one of the first things they learn how to do when they start pre-school and goes on to play an important role in every single school subject, not just English. There are undeniably a variety of benefits to reading and it’s certainly better for children than hours on their digital devices (although in moderation, this can be beneficial, too). A private school in Somerset explores the importance of reading for children in further detail below.
One of the primary benefits of reading for young people is that it can boost their general knowledge. As mentioned above, books allow the reader to explore a multitude of both real-life and imaginary events, famous landmarks and cultural traditions. They can learn about different genres and writing styles and start to develop critical thinking skills.
What’s more, reading will help boost your child’s vocabulary, as well as their spelling and grammar skills. As a result, they will become better communicators, both written and verbal. Enhanced general knowledge and communication skills will contribute to improved academic performance across all subjects, so essentially, children who are keen readers will likely perform better in school. In addition, they will be equipped with the necessary skills to successfully apply to universities and jobs when they’re older.
Reading also improves a child’s ability to concentrate on something for long periods of time, which is another valuable skill that can be transferred across other areas of life. If your child doesn’t seem to be showing an interest in reading, perhaps they haven’t found a genre they like yet.
Encourage them to try various different types of books by heading to the library or ordering online. Let them choose a novel themselves, as forcing them to read something just because you like the book won’t get you anywhere. Most schools try to encourage their pupils to read, so if you’re lacking inspiration, be sure to contact your child’s teacher. They will be able to give you some age-appropriate recommendations to get you started.