Studies have shown a strong link between preschoolers who are exposed to lots of books and kindergarten readiness. Reading to your young child regularly increases the likelihood they will love to read themselves.
Exposure to books is so very
important in young children
and their love to read.
Studies are not very clear about whether reading from a tablet has the same effect, but there is something magical and different about holding and reading a physical book.
Reading from a tablet is often interrupted by ads. Even young children know that pressing on some of the words might bring up new and shiny objects. This interferes with the development of imagination.
Reading, or being read to, from a book where nothing interferes with the imaginary pictures being built up in the mind is very important for development.
What should I do?
- Have plenty of books in your home.
Reach for them and read to your child.
Or if that’s too expensive….. - Become a member of the local library.
You can make this an exciting weekly or biweekly adventure. - Join a program like Imagination Library.
Your community may have a program to help you join this. Live in Jones County, Mississippi? Check out Nuture Our Future. You get a beautiful age appropriate book every month for the first 60 months of your child’s life. You will have a lovely library by the time your child is 5 years old. - Read yourself.
Children learn by example. If your child frequently sees you enjoying a book, they are more likely to enjoy reading themselves. - Bring books with you.
Wherever you may need to sit and wait, read to your child. Too often, we parents are spending time on our phones/social media and ignoring our children.Â
Pick up a book and read!!
Enjoy the journey!
Doc Tibbs
🌷🌺🌻
CORDS: Reflections on Weaving the Tapestry of Life
Dr. Tibbs' book is a powerful meditation on the meaning of family, identity, and community. There’s something beautiful about learning to love your culture and simultaneously cultivating in your children the awareness that everyone has a culture or heritage that is important to them.
Also available in a Kindle version.
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