Importance of Reading at an Early Age: The Top 3 Benefits

In this article we look at the major benefits and importance of teaching your child to read at an early age.

You’re probably wondering if it really makes a difference. Or if it’s better to wait for your child to learn to read at kindergarten. After all, teachers are trained professionals, and are the best equipped to teach kids to read.

As you read this article, you’ll see this isn’t the case.

In fact, there’s compelling evidence to suggest that teaching your child to read should in fact start with you, the parent. Long before your child attends kindergarten.

Benefit #1

Brain Development and Reading Readiness

You’ve heard the saying, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”.

While this isn’t entirely true, I’m sure you agree it’s a lot easier to train a puppy than an elderly dog.

And it applies to people too.

It’s generally easier for us to learn when we’re younger.

Studies show children are able to learn and absorb new concepts at a higher rate in the first 6 years of their lives than at any other time.

These first 6 years are incredibly important, as they lay the foundation for future academic and intellectual capabilities.

The reason for this is because a child’s brain is far more active in their early years.

Stimulating your child by way of reading, talking and learning, leads to a greater number of neural connections forming. These neural connections have a direct impact on your child’s ability to learn in future.

It also has a major influence in the overall development and functioning of the brain.

Benefit #2

Educational

As you’re aware, reading plays a crucial role in all formal areas of education.

The ability to read well, and with understanding, gives a child a massive advantage and sets them up for consistent success in the classroom. You can read our article on the best recommended learn to read programs here

Numerous studies show that early readers achieve higher grades over their peers throughout their schooling careers.

While this cannot be stated as absolute fact 100% of the time, it is generally accepted as being true due to the following:

Richer Vocabulary

Early readers develop a greater vocabulary.

This isn’t limited to simply knowing how to read a vast number of words, but in their understanding of the meaning of these words as well. This increases their general knowledge, as they are able to have a better understanding of conversations and written words in their environment.

Reading Proficiency

Early readers are more proficient readers. This helps them to understand what they’re reading, and aids them in extracting and retaining information as they learn and study.

Reading proficiency also results in greater levels of concentration.

As well as being more articulate in their written and oral communication, which in turn provides a major boost to their self-confidence… our final major benefit.

Benefit #3

Psychological

The self-confidence enjoyed by early readers cannot be underestimated.

Imagine the difference it makes to your child. Learning to read in the comfort of their home, with the assistance of a loving parent, and at their own pace.

Contrast this to a child who is learning to read for the first time in a crowded classroom.

Imagine their frustration and anxiety, seeing classmates reading confidently and at a higher level, while they struggle. These painful emotions get worse as the fear of falling behind increases.

It may not seem like it. However, young children are incredibly self-aware.

They ‘know’ who’s popular, athletic, clever, and so on. Early readers, and other kids that read well, are generally considered to be intelligent. Giving them a higher social status with their peers.

As a result, early readers are beaming with confidence, in their academic abilities, and their social interactions. They look forward to new challenges, share their ideas and are the most likely to develop into future leaders.

Summary

• Children who learn to read early have a significant advantage over those who don’t.

• Early reading stimulates brain development. Which plays a major role in future academic abilities.

• Early readers thrive in the schooling system as reading forms the foundation of all formal education.

• Reading proficiency leads to better concentration and the ability to work faster. Most importantly, it greatly increases understanding and the ability to retain information when learning.

• Early readers have a rich vocabulary, and are articulate in their written and oral speech. They often stand out from their peers as they are regarded as one of the ‘smart’ kids. This is an incredible boost to their confidence, and they will look forward to learning more and progressing through the academic system.

• Studies show early readers tend to consistently achieve higher grades over their peers throughout their schooling careers.

As you’ve just seen, teaching your child to read at an early age has major neurological, academic and psychological advantages.

If you’re looking for an effective way to start teaching your child to read, we recommend having a look at the Children Learning Reading program. When you click on the Children Learning Reading link below, you’ll immediately be taken to their website where you’ll see exactly how the program’s been helping over 51 000 parents teach their children to read fluently from a very young age.

Visit Children Learning Reading Now

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