When should you start reading books to children?

Stories and books are essential tools for educating children, even before they can read.

Children begin developing reading skills around the age of 6—although this can happen earlier. But many parents wonder when to start reading books or stories to their children.

What age do experts recommend for introducing children to reading? And what are the benefits of encouraging reading habits in early childhood? Here we try to answer this question.

Remember that reading is the first step toward acquiring knowledge and new skills. Therefore, it is considered a fundamental skill for promoting a person's cognitive development.

When should we start reading stories to our children?

We can start reading stories to our children as early as their earliest years. In fact, it's important that we do so! This way, we gradually introduce our little ones to reading from a very early age.

According to Antonio Manuel Trujillo García, the education of reading children consists of three basic steps;

• The first stage begins with our children's birth and lasts until the little ones begin to develop their reading skills. During this stage, children still can't read, which means they need someone to read stories to them.

• In the second phase, children acquire the ability to read. At this point, the little ones read in the presence of others who can help them better understand what they are reading.

• In the third phase, children can read autonomously and without outside help.

It's important for parents to ensure their children go through this process. Therefore, it's essential that parents create time for reading. This should be a family activity. For example, you can read your children a bedtime story every night.

It's also a good idea to have a wide selection of stories and children's books on hand. Keep the books in a place in your home where your children can easily see and reach them.

This will help stimulate their curiosity so that they begin to grasp the books with their hands and examine them freely.

Characteristics you should look for in a good children's book

When choosing good stories and children's books, you should make sure that they have the following characteristics:

• Few words and short sentences

• Simple vocabulary

• Many attractive pictures and illustrations

• Different textures

• Few pages

• Stories that children can relate to

What are the benefits of encouraging reading habits in childhood?

Promoting reading habits in early childhood brings numerous benefits. Here are some examples:

• Reading stimulates a child’s imagination and creativity.

• It promotes children's cognitive autonomy and the ability to learn how to learn.

• Reading maximizes the development and perfection of language.

• Reading improves oral and written expression.

• It improves a child's vocabulary.

• Reading improves writing and spelling.

• It maximizes children's ability to pay attention and concentrate.

• It improves children's memory.

Therefore, parents are responsible for making reading a part of their children's daily routine. But to truly achieve the benefits mentioned above, it's not only important to encourage reading when your children are young. Rather, as children grow older, they should also observe their parents reading independently and enjoying it. This is because children look up to and emulate parental figures. Children learn by imitation, not by coercion.

When children see that their parents enjoy reading, they are more likely to develop the same behavior. Ultimately, it's not about forcing our children to read. It's about teaching them that reading is a fun and engaging way to enjoy their free time.