Being a diligent student all my life, I was personally not into reading any other books, except of course, those in our syllabus. Reading books issued from our school library felt more like a punishment. The fear that the librarian might ask the context of it was the sole reason behind reading those books.
Then one fine day, out of the blue, I borrowed a novel from a friend. I was still in school; summer break was going on; and being the hardworking student that I was, all my holiday homework (yes that existed in those years, and a lot of it for that matter) was complete. So, to while away time I started reading that novel. That was the start of my reading journey. And I realized that I did waste a lot of my years, reading only for a good score and not for the experience that it beholds. Nonetheless, reading became a part of my everyday life after that. Since then, any book, be it a course book, or a novel, or a story, was read not to gain scores but to gain the knowledge that it entailed.
I still have a mini library, more like a rack now, with my twin toddlers at home. And they have theirs, already!!! Yes, and I intend on making that grow for their own learning.
But how did I know that my girls love books? Thanks to our mini library.
Trust me, it’s a great feeling when you babies pick up your books and kiss the cover page, flip the pages, point at things asking what they are, even tear a couple of pages in the process of respecting and being gentle with books.
But what is the significance of books in life, especially in the formative years of a child?
Here are some of the benefits:
Emotional bond: When a parent reads a book to their child, it helps them create a warm emotional connect with each other. In that moment, a parent is providing child their full attention, and showing strong interest in the child. Cuddling your child in your arms, sharing stories, pictures and thoughts while turning pages of a book is a sincere and best way to bond with the child. As Raising Readers quote it, “Children fall in love with books because of the memories created when they snuggle up and read with someone they love.”
Vocabulary – Books help kids develop basic language skills and reading expands their vocabulary. The more children read, the more words and their meaning they are exposed to, the more they will be able to use these words. This will help them articulate their thoughts and feelings better and communicate effectively.
Increase patience and fun – When a parent reads a story to their children, it may not be read in one go. The child may immediately flip the page after reading the first line and go to the last page and then come back to the first. This activity not only increases a parents’ patience level towards their child but the fun quotient for the child as well. This also gives a sign to the child that their wish is being respected and they are being heard.
Less dependence on technology – In today’s world, gadgets are increasing becoming the go-to thing for children, even in the younger age-groups. By including books in the child’s life, parents can help take them away from technology and gadgets, at least in these early years of learning and help develop a lifelong friendship with books. Feeling the surface of books, the aroma of pages and the sound of flipping through pages, has its own unique charm. As Stephen D. Krashen quotes, “Children read more when they see other people reading”; and who are better examples for the children than their own parents.
Engaging – Books can keep children engaged by bringing out and harnessing their creativity. Reading books can help in sparking imagination, stimulating curiosity and keeping children’s minds active. A child never grows out of a book and never gets bored. Sooner or later, the same books would be picked and read again and again.
Plethora of knowledge – There is a world full of knowledge in books, reading which children can comprehend text better, retain and remember the information and share with others too. Books can open the world for children and give them the opportunity to dream with open eyes, aim higher, grow in life and reach out for the stars.
Famous author Emilie Buchwald has rightly said, “Children are made readers on the laps of their parents”. Let’s introduce our children and take them on this beautiful journey with books; books that will help them learn; books that will make them smile; books that they will come to love and eventually have their favorites too!
I would take this forum to introduce you all to our venture on Instagram by the name of “samepageasus”.
The idea originated when the Coronavirus period began, when stepping out was no less than a big hassle for all the parents, and when home schooling was also via laptops and mobile phones. Hence, we brought this page to life, to help parents explore and buy new and interesting books for their children and help them learn in an interactive and fun manner.
Follow "samepageasus" on Instagram :https://www.instagram.com/samepageasus/
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