As parents, we all want what’s best for our kids. We want them to grow up happy and successful. And we want to equip them with all the tools to do it. One of the most important of these is being a good reader. What we don’t often talk about, is how children’s cognitive and social development benefits from the process of learning to read.
In this article:
![Student doing a reading assessment](https://golexic.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Mikhail-Nilov-Dyslexia-assessment.jpg)
Learning to read call upon various skills and stimulates several parts of the brain. Mastering this skill provides massive benefits to a child’s future. Research shows that it’s critical to their overall well-being. It sets them up for academic success and fosters a lifelong love of learning.
Research shows that learning to read is a complex process that requires explicit instruction and practice. Parents and teachers play the primary roles in developing young readers. It’s important for them to understand how the process works and how to use the right strategies to produce proficient readers.
So pour a cup, and dive in with us to explore the top 6 reasons for why reading needs to be taught!
1. Reading is not a natural process
2. Developing reading skills is cognitively complex
- phonological awareness (the ability to recognize and manipulate spoken parts of words and sentences – think “ears” only) and
- phonics (making the connection between sound and print – think “ears” AND “eyes”)
- lower level processes (being able to translate written words into meaningful language)
- higher level processes (combining these units into coherent mental models).
3. Learning to read boosts academic success
Reading is the “key” that unlocks the door to all other subjects. When kids learn to read, they aren’t just able to read material for other subjects. They gain comprehension, critical thinking, and communication skills.
Research shows there’s a clear connection between reading proficiency and academic success. One study on early reading proficiency found that kids with the lowest reading scores account for 33% of all students, but they account for 63% of those who don’t end up graduating.
Skills gained from early reading proficiency that increase their overall academic success include:
- Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving. Reading skills involve training the brain to both decode and comprehend. This means kids’ brains learn to interpret and analyze information, which are the foundation of “critical thinking” required for other subjects.
- Enhanced Concentration. Reading requires focus and concentration. When kids learn to read, they develop the ability to sit with a book for longer and longer periods of time. It helps them to “flex” the parts of the brain involved in sustained attention. By training this part of their brains, kids focus better.
- Confidence Boost. When kids learn to read independently, it’s a huge confidence-builder. A confident reader is more likely to participate in class, ask questions, and explore new concepts. This sets them up for more success in school.
- Love of Learning. Kids who read well are more likely to enjoy learning other subjects. It opens up a world of knowledge, adventure, and imagination. When kids love to read, they’re more motivated to explore different subjects and approach the world around them with more curiosity.
4. Reading instruction develops important language skills
5. Reading enhances social skills
6. It helps build information and digital literacy
Wrapping Up
Teaching reading isn’t just important, it’s essential. It involves a number of cognitively complex skills and processes that require explicit instruction. Without strong reading skills, kids struggle academically and miss out on opportunities.
When kids are taught to read, they develop important language skills that make them better communicators. They increase in vocabulary, grammar, and writing skills. And develop better social skills. They have more empathy and understanding for others. Additionally, they have needed skills to become information and digitally “literate”, which is essential for higher education and careers.
Reading is a lifelong gift, one that parents and teachers alike can give to kids. Through deliberate instruction, they’ll be set up for success!