In a world dominated by digital entertainment, books for children must be introduced in the home and in school. Books require minimal money investment but the return on investment are excellent, especially when these are compared to digital entertainment like video games. Indeed, parents and teachers must conspire for the good of their children!
Benefits of Children’s Books
This early, it must be emphasized that the benefits derived from children’s books can only be enjoyed when the parent/teacher encourages their children to read them. You can accomplish this goal by setting a good example of being a book lover yourself and by reading the books to them. After all, children’s books are inanimate objects that need an animate object to move it!
With that said, here are the advantages to be had from reading books for children to your kids:
o It builds familial bonds because you spend quality time with each other.
o It helps your child understand the purpose of the written word in relation to the spoken word and the ways with which each word can be used in everyday conversations.
o It builds vocabulary in fun ways, often by means of shared humor.
o It develops listening skills that will translate itself into better communication skills.
o It promotes a love for literature that, when coupled with your loving guidance, can transform into a love for knowledge.
o It enhances information absorption, a skill necessary to allow your child to function in society.
The greatest benefit of introducing your kids to books for children is opening up worlds to their imagination and exploration. In this way, you provide them with the personal skills to tackle the real world one book at a time!
Appropriate Children’s Books
However, you just don’t read whatever children’s book is on hand! You have to consider the age, reading level and personal interests of your child before selecting a book for them. You want to hold their attention, sustain their interest and whet their appetite for books, books and more books!
Fortunately for parents and teachers alike, most books for children are classified according to the ages of their readership base. Thus, for kids 0-5 years old, books with colorful visuals are best since these stimulate vision, promote identification, and enhance connections to the outside world. You can purchase sturdy board books and picture books for this age group.
For the kids 7-9 years old, story lines with short chapters are best. Of course, the words used are often more complex than those contained in their toddler books. You will observe that these books also incorporate basic character development and plot structure, which can challenge your child’s ability to tell a story in his own words.