Importance of Literacy
How will this benefit my child? - Literacy development in the early years is vital as it forms the foundation for a child’s communication, critical thinking and learning skills. Early exposure to language, reading and writing not only enhances cognitive development but also boosts confidence, creativity and the ability to succeed academically and socially throughout life.
The five benefits of reading
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1- Accelerated Communication
Communication is a vital part of life and early reading will contribute towards a child’s ability to do so. Through reading your child’s vocabulary and knowledge increases but your child will also be exposed to:
- Spelling
- Grammar
- Writing
- Oral communication
- Critical thinking
- Comprehension
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2- Cognitive Development
Reading acts as a “workout” for the brain as it stimulates imagination, critical thinking and language skills. The more stimulation the brain receives, the more connections it builds which in turn lays the foundations for later academic success. Put simply, reading stimulates brain cells…and we could all do with some of that! The more variety in books and stories read, the more cognitive development!
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3- Psychological Benefits
Perhaps an often overlooked benefit of reading in the early years are the psychological benefits this can have. Reading and being read to allows a child to explore empathy and thus facilitates emotional development. Certain characters and storylines will encourage children to think critically about emotions and feelings whilst in a safe and controlled environment. In addition to this, reading at a young age also contributes to the building of positive familial relationships.
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4- Self-confidence
Children often experience pressure when acquiring new skills in school, especially if they perceive themselves to be progressing more slowly than their classmates. This pressure can affect their self-esteem and subsequently influence their approach to learning and their attitude towards school in general. Therefore, introducing reading at an early age is crucial. By starting to read with your child early on, you create a secure environment that allows them to learn at their own pace and boost their confidence among peers.
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5- Later Academic Success
As previously noted, cognitive development linked to reading plays a significant role in academic success. When children begin reading early, they enhance their general knowledge, language skills, attention spans, and concentration - all of which are vital for their future education. Moreover, the confidence gained through early reading fosters a love of learning, benefiting children throughout their school years.