The Wonderful World of Books.
I know the title must have scared some kids already, which is not supposed to be.
We can fault the parents and teachers for this fear that cripples the minds of young ones at the sight of books. This situation is very peculiar to Nigerians living in Nigeria, it is as if we are scared of under-education.
Little kids, barely a year old, are sent off to school and begin attending daycare, then move on to pre-kindergarten and nursery school, and it goes on that way.
They were not given the time to learn about their environments and parents, just school. A Montessori is preferable as it allows kids to learn at their own pace and explore their interests.
Some Nigerian parents even go as far as hiring private tutors for their kids. After the strenuous school activities, kids would still have classes at home.
It’s usually as if their brains never get any rest. They are usually instructed every single minute of their lives, except when they are asleep.
From parents telling them to do their homework, private tutors giving them instructions, and school teachers assigning tasks, they do not have the space to breathe and just play as kids.
They are imposed with a workload similar to that of a teenager who would be sitting for the West African Senior Secondary Examination (WASSCE), Nigerian Education Council Examinations (NECO) and Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) exams, and this is very bad.
Being educated is a big flex but it’s necessary to let the kids grow and thrive in a less stressful environment.
Reading is beautiful, however, a kid who has gone through all of these would certainly not see reading “as the beauty it is”.
Why Should You Read?
Reading is like going on a fun journey in your mind!
When you read a book, you get to visit amazing places, meet cool characters, and have awesome adventures without having to leave the confines of your room.
It is like watching a movie in your head, but even better because you get to imagine everything yourself!
So, reading is like having a super cool adventure every time you open a book.
Facts About Kids Who Read Books
According to UNICEF, children who enjoy reading often have better:
1. Language skills:
Reading is like a magical potion for language skills for kids! When children read books, they are exposed to new words, sentence structures, and ideas.
This exposure helps expand their vocabulary and comprehension. By seeing how words are used in different contexts, kids learn how to communicate more effectively and better express themselves.
Reading also introduces kids to proper grammar and syntax, which are essential for developing strong language skills.
2. Improved concentration:
When children read books, they enter a world of imagination and focus. As they follow a story or explore new ideas, their concentration muscles get a good workout.
Focusing on a book without distractions helps kids build their attention span and ability to stay engaged for longer periods.
3. Broader imagination:
When children read books, they embark on exciting adventures and explore new worlds within the pages of a book.
Exposure to different characters, settings, and scenarios sparks their creativity and encourages them to think outside the box.
As kids visualize the stories in their minds, they are exercising their imagination muscles, which helps them become more creative and innovative.
4. Excel Academically:
When children read books, they absorb knowledge like sponges and expand their understanding of various subjects.
Reading enhances their vocabulary, critical thinking skills, and comprehension abilities, all of which are crucial for success in academics.
By reading regularly, kids can improve their reading comprehension, writing skills, and overall academic performance.
It’s truly amazing how something as simple as reading can have such a positive impact on academic success.
How To Instil Good Reading Habits in Kids
To instil good reading habits in kids, it’s essential to make reading fun and engaging for them!
Here are some tips to help encourage a love for reading:
1. Set an Example: Let kids see you reading for pleasure. Children often mimic the behaviour of adults around them.
2. Create a Reading Routine: Establish a regular reading time each day. Make it a cosy and enjoyable experience.
3. Visit the Library: Take trips to the library and let kids choose books that interest them.
4. Read Together: Reading aloud to kids can be a bonding experience and thus help them develop a love for stories.
5. Make it Interactive: Ask questions about the story, and characters, and encourage discussion.
6. Provide a Variety of Books: Offer a range of books on different topics to cater to their interests.
7. Limit Screen Time: Encourage reading as an alternative to screen time.
Conclusion
It would not be easy at first but with consistency and determination, the habit and love for books would accumulate. Parents and guardians should also not be too hard on kids for anything they are not getting rather, they should encourage them.
Read more: How To Conquer Slow Reading Habits
Discussion about this post