The Transformative Power of Books in Childhood

Join our family to give your child the best foundation for the best future — schedule a guided visit to ABCnMe.

How Reading Books Supports Development During Childhood

Today, we want to talk about something that we’ve seen transform how children learn, connect, and discover the world: children’s books and their transformative power during childhood. These little treasures not only fill our young ones’ days with colors and stories but also serve as magical tools to foster their holistic development.

Every day, during our “Story Time” or while relaxing in the cozy reading corners of our classrooms, we see how children dive into stories, touch the pages with curiosity, and marvel at the vibrant illustrations. This simple act of flipping pages and exploring images not only sparks their imagination but also connects them to learning in a unique and meaningful way.

Benefits of Reading for Child Development

Emotional and Cognitive Growth

Reading books from an early age is fundamental. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), sharing moments of reading helps build a strong foundation for emotional, cognitive, language, and literacy development. This habit not only prepares children for school but also provides lifelong benefits (AAP, 2014). Additionally, research from the Harvard Graduate School of Education indicates that early childhood reading can shape children’s brains, creating new neural connections that enhance reading and comprehension skills (Harvard Graduate School of Education, 2016). These experiences enrich their vocabulary, stimulate creativity, and foster a habit invaluable for their growth.

Language and Creativity Boost

However, it’s not just about reading stories; it’s about sharing moments, sitting together, and allowing them to discover the world through those pages. Reading books, rather than relying on electronic devices, offers a richer and less overstimulating experience. According to the AAP, “Flipping through a high-quality printed book filled with colorful images and expressive language is the best experience. While touch screens and other electronic devices may be popular, they are generally passive or solitary experiences for children and don’t provide the same benefits of interactivity and relationship-building” (AAP, 2014).

Creating a Reading Habit at Home

At home, we encourage you to make reading a special ritual. Dedicating time each afternoon or before bed to share a book can become a unique and meaningful moment of connection. It’s not only an opportunity for your children to explore new stories but also for you, as parents, to create shared memories and teach the value of reading as a powerful learning tool. Invite your little ones to touch the pages, observe the illustrations, and enjoy the rhythm of the words. This physical interaction with books helps children develop cognitive and emotional skills such as focus, patience, and comprehension while feeling secure and loved in their parents’ presence.

Conscious Reading vs. Digital Overstimulation

Additionally, making reading a physical experience by touching and turning the pages helps children establish a deeper connection with the book’s content, while avoiding the risks of visual overstimulation from electronic devices. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that printed books foster more active interaction and healthy brain development. Instead of letting screens captivate your children’s attention, books can be a special haven where every word and every image tells a story of love and learning.

Resources and Support for Reading Families

We also want to share that, at our preschool, we have a selection of books not only for children but also for you, the parents. On several occasions, we’ve lent out books that address specific topics, such as child development or how to handle situations.  We know that as parents, we’re always learning, and these resources can be a valuable support on your journey.

The magic of books is within everyone’s reach. As a family, you can nurture this love for reading at home. If you’d like to explore options or need a recommendation, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to accompany you on this journey filled with stories and learning.Additionally, if this topic interests you, in two weeks we’ll be sharing some book recommendations that might be very useful to you. Stay tuned!

Join our family to give your child the best foundation for the best future — schedule a guided visit to ABCnMe.

Sources

• American Academy of Pediatrics. (2014). Literacy Promotion: An Essential Component of Primary Care Pediatric Practice. Pediatrics, 134(2), 404–409. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2014-1440

• Harvard Graduate School of Education. (2016). Raising Strong Readers. Usable Knowledge. https://www.gse.harvard.edu/ideas/usable-knowledge/16/03/raising-strong-readers

• Harvard Graduate School of Education. (2016). Let's Talk: How Reading With Children Builds Relationships & Better Learning. Usable Knowledge. https://www.gse.harvard.edu/ideas/usable-knowledge/16/07/lets-talk