8 reasons why it’s important to read to your grandkids
We all know reading to children is a good thing but there are many specific advantages that children can gain from reading. By introducing your grandkids to the pleasures of reading, you will be imparting them with many positive benefits that will last them a life time. Here we take a closer look at those benefits.
1. Strengthens bonds – Cuddling up together to read a book lets you and your grandchildren enjoy and appreciate time together. Furthermore, starting young ensures that reading isn’t seen as a bothersome task and rather a fun activity. The shared experience naturally brings you closer together.
2. Academic excellence – Numerous studies show that children who are read to often are more likely to develop better reading, thinking and even numeracy skills. The benefits of reading is clear and has a very positive effect on children’s aptitude for learning.
Related link - What you can do to give your grandchildren a head start in school
3. Speech skills – While Dr Seuss’s rhyming books can become a tad repetitive to us, these books teach children important and fundamental language and enunciation skills.
4. Good communication – Reading teaches children new words, phrases and expressions. As a result they are likely to be able to express themselves better and communicate with others in a healthy way.
5. Logical thinking skills – As children encounter various scenarios and situations in books, it will enhance their ability to grasp abstract concepts, understand cause and effect and give them opportunities to exercise their logical thinking and reasoning.
6. Develop concentration – Kids may squirm and become distracted during story time but persevere and they will soon develop the concentration and discipline to listen to (or read) an entire book. Reading helps develop self-discipline, attention spans, listening skills and memory retention.
7. New experiences – Books teach kids about the world – both the good and the bad. It helps them understand new experiences and can give them a reference point in unfamiliar or trying times such as the first day of school or making new friends.
8. The pleasure of reading – Perhaps this is the best gift of all because it’s the one that keeps on giving – the knowledge that reading is not a chore doled out by teachers but a fun, pleasurable and enlightening experience.
Related links:
Check out list of most-loved picture books to read with your grandchildren
A movie that both you and your grandkids will love
The funniest things grandkids say