Ambra Mills, originally from Italy and now residing in the UK, shares parenting tips and stories on her blog, ‘Parenting: Discoveries and Challenges’ at famigliaguidance.blog. She is also the author of kids’ books such as (The Adventures of Hoppy, Skipper and Felix) and (The Adventures of Piky, Matisse and Betty). Both books are available on Amazon in Kindle or paperback format and have been translated into five languages: English, Italian, Spanish, French, and Slovak.
Reading is like opening a magical door to fantastic worlds and incredible stories, especially for the little ones. This journey begins from a young age when books become loyal companions guiding through new words and exciting adventures.
Books are like special friends leading you to extraordinary places. As you read, your mind travels to distant lands, meets fantastical characters, and experiences unique emotions. This magical journey with books not only teaches you to read but opens your mind to new ideas, stimulates your imagination, and helps you grow.
The magic of books doesn’t fade when you close them. Every time you open a book, it’s like throwing open a window to a different world. You can learn new things, discover incredible stories, and have immense fun.
So, for children, reading is like embarking on a journey without leaving home. Books act as maps guiding through unknown lands of knowledge and adventure. It’s an endless journey, a treasure that can be cherished for a lifetime.
Educational Messages in Books:
Writing stories is like conveying important lessons through words. Many authors aim to teach valuable things beyond the main storyline. They talk about strong friendships, the beauty of differences, and the importance of kindness. These universal themes are woven into stories, giving readers moments to think and grow. Books are more than a way to have fun; they are tools that can teach important life skills and help think better and feel good.
Through characters and situations in stories, we can better understand the world and learn new things about life and people. Think about friendship. In books, there are characters facing challenges together, discovering that when they help each other, they can overcome any problem.
The beauty of diversity can emerge from stories that show how lovely it is to accept and appreciate differences between people. The importance of kindness is often highlighted through altruistic gestures, where doing something kind can make a big difference. Reading becomes a special way to learn and grow. Every time you open a book, you have the opportunity to discover something new and develop a better perspective on life. Books are like friends helping you understand the world around you, making your learning journey more interesting and enjoyable.
Importance of Reading for Children:
Since my childhood, books have been loyal companions, opening doors to enchanted worlds and valuable teachings. Growing up surrounded by the magic of stories allowed me to dream, explore new horizons, and understand the vast world around me.
Studies conducted by renowned universities confirm the positive influence of reading on children. For instance, a study from the University of Oxford, involving 200 children aged 18 to 30 months, showed that children exposed to daily reading had an average vocabulary of 100 words, compared to 70 words for those not exposed. Similarly, Stanford University highlighted that children exposed to a variety of books had an average vocabulary of 1,200 words, compared to 900 words for those not exposed.
Further research, such as that conducted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Chicago, underscores the association between regular reading and academic success. For example, children who read regularly had higher grades and a higher graduation rate. Additionally, there is a significantly higher likelihood that they will attend university.
These findings indicate that regular reading, especially from a young age, has a significant impact on vocabulary development and academic success in children. Parents and educators can support this process by providing stimulating books and creating a conducive reading environment.
I highly recommend two books that capture the imagination of young readers. With engaging stories like ‘The Adventures of Hoppy, Skipper, and Felix’ and ‘The Adventures of Piky, Matisse, and Betty,’ children will be transported into enchanted worlds full of valuable lessons on the strength of friendship, the beauty of diversity, and the importance of kindness. These books become faithful travel companions, inspiring and teaching as young readers grow. A magical reading experience that will stay in the hearts of children forever.
The Enchantment of Reading during Growth:
As children grow, reading becomes even more special. Books are like windows that open worlds of colors, sounds, and adventures. Words become trusted friends that help them learn and grow. Try to let them explore different types of books to discover new stories and stimulate their imagination. Let them choose books that they are passionate about, making reading a fun way to explore. It’s fantastic to encourage them to read on their own as they grow, but don’t forget how important it is to share reading moments together. These special moments not only strengthen the bond between you but also continue to nourish their curiosity and joy of discovery through reading. The magic of books will always be by their side in every stage of growth, offering them an endless journey of learning and imagination.
Tips for Reading with Children:
Evenings spent as a family immersed in reading are among the most precious memories of my childhood. These moments strengthened family bonds and planted the seeds of love for reading. Creating a welcoming reading environment is essential to nurture the curiosity of young readers.
– Create a Reading Corner: Dedicate a cozy space in the house where books are easily accessible. A reading corner can become a magical place where children immerse themselves in book adventures.
– Involve the Entire Family: Reading becomes a special experience by involving the whole family. Organize reading sessions where parents and children share stories and discuss the books they’ve read.
–Explore Different Kinds of Books: Encourage kids to try out different types of books to find new stories and let their imagination soar. Let them choose books they find interesting, so reading becomes a fun way to discover new things. While it’s great for them to read on their own, don’t forget how special it is to read together. These moments not only make your family closer but also keep the excitement alive for learning through reading.
–Read Books in Different Languages: Think about reading books in different languages. It’s a cool way for kids to learn about other languages and cultures, helping them understand the world better. The magic of books will always be there for them, making learning and imagining new things a never-ending adventure.
In conclusion:
the benefits of reading for children are vast, encompassing valuable life lessons, entertainment, and opportunities for bonding. In today’s high-tech era, promoting a love for reading may pose challenges, but facilitating easy access to books, serving as positive role models, and allowing children the freedom to choose their reading materials are simple yet effective strategies. By fostering a love for literature, we not only enrich their minds but also nurture essential skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.
Resources:
- University of Oxford: * “The Importance of Early Exposure to Books for Children”, by Anne Fernald, Ph.D., and Dorothy V. Smith, Ph.D., published in Child Development in 2007.
- Stanford University: * “The Effects of Exposure to a Variety of Books on Vocabulary Development in Preschool Children”, by Susan B. Neuman, Ph.D., and Nancy A. Celano, Ph.D., published in Journal of Educational Psychology in 2001.
- University of Wisconsin-Madison: * “The Effects of Reading on Academic Achievement and Dropout Rates”, by Douglas J. Bereiter, Ph.D., and Martin H. Scardamalia, Ph.D., published in Educational Researcher in 1989.
- University of Chicago: * “The Influence of Early Reading on Later Academic Achievement”, by Robert C. Pianta, Ph.D., and Anne S. Cox, Ph.D., published in Reading Research Quarterly in 1999.
