Early reading significantly helps in language development.
Experts have established the importance of early reading in language development. Studies have found that reading initiates a person's linguistic capability and progress. The earlier a child is exposed to reading, the better is the linguistic foundation that results in the language skills generally needed in all facets of education. Reading and language development go hand in hand. Reading helps in the development of language and vice versa. Without the other, it's difficult to achieve proficiency in both areas.
Language
Language is more than just a series of sounds and letters. Language refers to words, sentences, context, grammar and syntax. More importantly, language is about learning and understanding the meaning of the elements when put together. Reading helps a person process these complex components. Early reading provides a building block for a person to start learning simple linguistics at a young age and progress later to more advanced levels. If a young child is not yet able to read by himself , an older person reading to the child is considered a very educational and fun way to help in language development.
Benefits of Reading
The significance of early reading to people is beyond measure. Not only does reading inspire the language development of the child but it's also a good venue for parents and other to bond with each other. Reading also enables children to pick up words swiftly. It improves their comprehension and exercises their brain. As compared to watching television, a child's brain benefits more from reading.
Developmental Stage
Children pass through different stages in learning or language development. It is important for parents to evaluate whether or not their child is lagging behind or is advanced from his peers at a certain learning stage. For instance, when a child turns two, he should already be able to process and speak a hundred or more words. Since children at this age still have a short attention span, it's important to make the learning process as interactive as possible. When reading to a child, it's essential to ask him to repeat phrases and words. Pinpointing shapes while saying their names aloud can also help.
Reading Habit
In order to further encourage the learning process and language development, it is necessary to help a child develop a reading habit every day. Devoting daily time to read sustains the growing language skills of the child. Reading practices newfound language skills and knowledge. A question-and-answer portion after every reading session is a good practice.
Developmental Highlights
Reading and language development stages are marked by developmental highlights. For instance, at age five or six, children should be able to read books on their own. A good indication that the language development of the child is pushing through accordingly is when they are able to repeat the words they remember from reading. A child at this stage may also create a similar story to the one they just read. The child already recognizes colors such as blue, red and yellow. When reading, the child becomes more curious as to what happens next in the story. The child should have developed a good vocabulary and should now be able to use proper grammar. Consequently, formal primary education also starts at this stage.
Tags: language development, reading child, language skills, able read, development child, early reading