Why Chapter Books for Kids Are Beneficial
While it may seem easier to encourage quiet time for your kids in front of a screen, you could potentially be harming their brain development. Recent research shows that children ages 3 to 5 years old who use screens more have a decreased development of white matter in the brain. This could potentially impact their development of language, literacy and other cognitive skills.
During the ages of 3 to 5 years old, your child’s brain develops more than it will at any other stage in their life. Inevitably, you want this time to foster optimal brain development and the activities you promote and encourage are a part of that. Instead of opting for screen time, support quiet reading time with your children. These early experiences will shape and transform them as they grow and develop. In this article, we explore the benefits of reading and the best chapter books for kids and their development.
The Benefits of Reading
While your child may not be able to read quite yet, simply reading to them at this age can help immensely when it comes to proper and healthy brain development.
Reading Builds New Brain Connections
Whenever the brain is exposed to something new, new neural connections and networks are formed. Through repeated exposure, these connections become stronger. When your child listens to you read or reads along with you, it is practice for their brain, and when you practice something, you usually get better at it. In turn, this may set them up for future success when it comes to language and literacy.
Increases Concentration Skills
When reading to your child, they have to pay attention to follow the story. This expands their attention and concentration skills. Remember, practice makes perfect!
Improves Language Skills
Reading teaches your child new words. It opens up a whole new vocabulary world. It further demonstrates to them how to structure sentences and when it is appropriate to use certain words.
Contributes to the Development of Your Child’s Imagination
Interestingly, reading impacts the part of the brain involved with mental imagery. This happens as your child is reading or listening to the story. They imagine what the characters look like or how a certain situation may happen. From there, your child may include this in play with friends. In turn, it not only improves their cognitive development, but may also contribute to their social development as well.
Helps Children Understand Feelings
Through stories, we learn. We understand empathy and compassion. Your child will begin to understand and learn how they may feel in certain situations. This may lead to increased emotional intelligence and awareness down the line.
The Best Chapter Books for Your Kids
Many books offer life lessons and entertaining stories with quirky characters and you have got many chapter books and stories to choose from for your kids.
‘Charlotte’s Web’ by E.B. White
This is a classic book with endearing farm animal characters. Your children will learn about the value of friendship as demonstrated by Wilbur the pig and Charlotte the spider.
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‘Holes’ by Louis Sachar
Follow teenager Stanley Yelnats through his misfortunes that lead to him being sent off to Camp Green Lake - which is not your typical camp. Your child will learn about friendships, making the best of each situation, and will also learn about the idea of destiny.
‘James and the Giant Peach’ by Roald Dahl
Roald Dahl novels may quickly become your children’s favorite stories. They’re easy to read and teach many life lessons along the way. Start with this classic Roald Dahl story about a boy who travels the world in a giant peach. It will definitely get you and your child’s imagination rolling.
‘The Giver’ by Lois Lowry
The Giver presents an array of lessons and concepts that may get your child thinking. Destiny, truth and history are a few of the concepts this book dives into.
‘Harry Potter’ Series by J.K. Rowling
Enter the enchanting land of Harry Potter and his wizard friends. These books outline the true value of friendship at every stage in life.
‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’
This plot has many twists and turns and is full of humor that will keep your child entertained. You may want to pick up this book too!
Teach Your Kids the Importance of Reading
And do so early on. There are various benefits that help with your child’s brain development at a healthy and optimal level. Start by limiting screen time and setting aside time for your kids to read or for you to read to your kids (depending on their age). Teach your kids about the benefits and fun involved in reading from the very beginning of their own story.
