If you were only allowed to give your child one gift what should it be? Teach them to read for pleasure.
Teaching children to read for pleasure is crucial for several reasons, as it has a wide range of benefits that extend beyond academic achievement.
1. Boosts Academic Performance
- Reading for pleasure helps improve literacy skills, which are essential across all subjects. Children who enjoy reading tend to have a better understanding of vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure, which helps them excel in other areas such as writing, comprehension, and communication.
- Studies show that children who read for pleasure are more likely to achieve higher scores in subjects like English, math, and science.
2. Develops Imagination and Creativity
- Reading fiction encourages children to use their imagination and immerse themselves in different worlds, scenarios, and characters. This helps them develop creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Exposure to a wide range of stories introduces children to different cultures, perspectives, and ideas, broadening their understanding of the world.
3. Enhances Emotional Intelligence and Empathy
- Reading allows children to experience different emotions and understand diverse points of view through the eyes of characters. This builds empathy, helping them relate to others and improve their social and emotional development.
- By understanding how characters feel and face challenges, children learn to manage their own emotions better and develop emotional intelligence.
4. Improves Focus and Concentration
- The act of reading requires focus and attention, helping children develop these essential skills. When they read for pleasure, they are more likely to concentrate for longer periods, which has positive effects on other aspects of learning and daily life.
Because in terms of education reading really is a superfood!
Parents often asked me what their child should be reading.
There are lists all over the internet.
Here are some examples for Year 5:
https://www.thereaderteacher.com/year5
https://avanti.org.uk/kapsharrow/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/02/Year-5-Reading-List.pdf
https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/t2-e-2230-brilliant-book-list-y5-checklist
The list goes on….
Give your child that gift.
Or contact me for further ideas.
