A Child’s Brain On Books

Adults have a tough job navigating today’s world when it comes to raising smart, well-adjusted children, but getting it right can be complicated. It’s tempting to rely heavily on technology to make it through growth phases, but that reliance is misguided.

                  It turns out that during the first five years of life, millions of neural connections are being formed by the second. That means that every thoughtful decision around raising young children can have a lasting impact on them. No pressure. Still, it’s true that children’s brains are much more engaged by real-world interactions than by passive viewing of online programming.

According to a 2017 study published in the American Journal of Psychology:

                  “One potential type of written language immersion is reading aloud to children, which is additionally valuable because the vocabulary in picture books is richer and more extensive than that found in child-directed speech.”

                  In other words, the simple act of sitting with a child and reading out loud to them will help them develop a stronger brain which has lasting effects for years to come. According to Concordia University in Nebraska, “When children develop strong reading skills, they gain confidence, build knowledge and open the door to academic success in every subject.”

                  In addition to setting a child up for academic success, better reading skills can introduce children to deeper thinking, enhancing their abilities to solve problems, analyze complex topics and better use their imaginations. It’s truly a gateway to overall success in life.

                  Of course, there are some additional healthy ways to help a child grow, like providing them with quality food, and making sure that children get adequate sleep. It’s also important to make sure that children get a chance to play in order to build motor skills and make new neural connections. But reading aloud to a small child is a seriously fun way to help their brain’s development.

                  The data is overwhelming in this area. More reading and real books plus less screen time, equals an easier time in school and in life.