Reading aloud to your little one isn’t just a fun bedtime activity – it’s a powerful tool that sets the stage for future learning and success. At Shaw’s Preschool Singapore, we believe in nurturing a love for reading from the very beginning. Our Curriculum Specialist, Serina Teo, shares six compelling reasons why incorporating daily reading routines into your family life can significantly benefit your child.
- Build Language Skills: Regular exposure to rich vocabulary and sentence structures through reading aloud helps preschoolers naturally absorb language skills. They learn to understand and use language more effectively, with improved speaking and articulation. Early reading builds a strong foundation for future academic success in literacy and communication. Learning language ‘rules’ becomes easier, as it occurs naturally.
- Unleash Creativity: Children’s stories are often filled with imaginative elements that spark curiosity and encourage visualization. Engaging with books and stories helps preschoolers develop their creative thinking skills and problem-solving abilities, allowing them to think outside the box.
- Instill Values and Build Character: Many stories explore themes of right and wrong, friendship, and overcoming challenges. By listening to these tales, preschoolers learn to identify positive behaviors and develop a strong moral compass. Reading provides a gentle yet powerful way to introduce important life lessons.
- Nurture Social Skills: Reading together is an interactive activity that fosters important social skills. Preschoolers learn to listen attentively, take turns, and understand the nuances of communication – these are all essential skills for building strong relationships.
- Embrace New Cultures: Books act as gateways to different worlds and cultures. Through stories, we can discover new places, traditions, and customs, fostering a sense of appreciation for diversity and respect for others naturally and enjoyably.
- Strengthen the Parent-Child Bond: Perhaps the most valuable benefit of reading aloud is the special connection it creates between parent and child. Snuggling up with a book offers a moment of quality time, fostering a sense of security and comfort. It’s a chance for parents to show undivided attention and reinforce the child’s sense of being loved and valued.
Tips for Making Reading Fun
- Interactive Reading: Encourage participation! Let your child turn the pages, ask questions about the story and pictures, and relate them to their own experiences.
- Create a Routine: Establish a cozy reading nook and make reading a regular part of your day. Consistency helps build a lasting love for books and a strong bond with you.
- Empower Choice: Allow your child to choose books that pique their interest. This sense of autonomy makes reading more engaging and builds self-confidence.
Recommended Books for Preschoolers (Age 2-6):
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle: This classic uses simple, repetitive language and vibrant illustrations to teach counting, days of the week, and the life cycle of a butterfly.
- Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak: A whimsical tale about imagination and adventure that also explores emotions.
- Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle: Perfect for young children, with rhythmic text and colorful illustrations that aid language development and pattern recognition.
- Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown: A timeless bedtime story with soothing, repetitive language to help children wind down and prepare for sleep.
- The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss: A fun and engaging book that helps with early reading skills through rhyming text and whimsical illustrations.
- We’re All Wonders by R.J. Palacio: A beautiful story about empathy, kindness, and acceptance that promotes diversity and inclusion.
The benefits of reading to preschoolers extend far beyond literacy. It’s about nurturing a love for learning, sparking creativity, building strong values, and strengthening the parent-child bond. At Shaws Preschool, we encourage all families to embrace the magic of reading aloud every day.
“Show me a family of readers, and I will show you the people who move the world.” – Napoleon Bonaparte
By making reading a daily habit, you’re setting your child on a path to lifelong learning and success. So grab a book, cuddle up with your little one, and embark on a magical journey together!
If you would like to find out more about Shaws Preschool or book a tour to see why Shaws helps our little ones develop a love of learning visit our website www.shaws.com.sg or contact our Enrolments Manager Olive [email protected] or +65 9772 4035
