Benefits of reading to children

The organizers of the annual book reading campaign "All Poland Reads to Children", held at the Singapore International Schools (SIS) recently, say that "Reading is the key to both knowledge and intellectual ability ... It opens the door to the treasury of human beings through knowledge." If this is true, why do many adults and children view reading as being just a necessary evil?

The originators of this campaign state: "The custom of reading and the love of books must be established in childhood." They tell parents: "If you want your children to be wise and successful at school and in life, read to them aloud daily for 20 minutes."

Parents are also encouraged not to postpone reading to their children but to "start as soon as possible." When? Let us read to an infant, holding him in our arms, looking at him with love, and arousing his interest with our voice," parents are urged. "In this way, a lasting association of reading with a feeling of security, pleasure and closeness is formed. Additionally, it stimulates his mental development."

The organizers of the campaign emphasize that "reading to children is now more important than ever before," and they point to other benefits besides.

Reading aloud teaches children to think, helps them to understand other people, the world and themselves ... develops imagination, stimulates emotional development, cultivates sensitivity and empathy, teaches moral values ... builds self- esteem.

Undoubtedly, it is "the antidote against many undesirable influences that threaten children's minds and hearts," concludes the promoters of the campaign.

Schools like the SIS also look to reading as one of the important study tools. As an example, they emphasize this during the library-week where there is not only a book fair but also story tellers and awards for the best reader.

Schools need the support of parents, however. Try to make time daily or at least weekly to read to your children, encourage your child to borrow books from the library and put a parent's interest into it. So, in other words, create a reading environment instead of a TV environment".

-- Peter Konings, parents relations director, Singapore International School