In Pine, our children pick books to read by themselves or asks us to read with them. Reading helps children’s development in different areas; for children whose first language is not English, it is a wonderful opportunity for them to be exposed to more vocabulary, for native speakers it allows them to cement and expand their knowledge.
When adults read, children listen and see the pictures carefully, gathering more information and allowing them to memorize words better. Children are fantastic at imitating and when we read for children, they are not only listening to the story, but are also learning how we present the books: how our voice changes for different characters and emotions, what we find interesting or curious, etc. Books provide diverse topics for children to explore. By reading different types of books, we can learn more about children’s interests. For toddlers and preschoolers, as they are still confused and learning about their emotions and how to regulate them, reading helps them calm down and develop empathy.
For parents coming from their busy workplace, reading books with your child can be a relaxing way to connect with your child.
Let us know in the comments section, what your favourite books to read with your child are.