Written by Chatty Garrate
From an early age, kids are taught how to read, write, and communicate. They first learn how to dictate syllables and pronounce simple words. Then, they move on to forming simple sentences and using these sentences to communicate with others. Once they start school, kids learn how to read and write, as well as comprehend what they are reading.
In all these stages of learning, literacy skills are developed and enhanced. Developing literacy skills is not only about helping kids learn how to read and write. It is also about teaching kids a means to express themselves and connect with the people around them.
Literacy skills include vocabulary, spelling, print awareness, reading comprehension, and sound awareness. All these skills help kids understand and take part in the society they are living in.
Here are four benefits of honing your kid’s literacy skills from an early age.
Literacy skills will encourage kids to become avid readers. Reading helps stimulate the brain. When reading, kids will use their focus and comprehension to understand the text. It is a good exercise for the brain because kids’ imaginations will also be stimulated. Reading can also help kids relax and reduce stress levels that may be heightened while watching television shows such as cartoons. Aside from reading, literacy skills can help kids improve their memory as they discover new concepts and ideas.
Literacy skills can give kids the confidence to strike up conversations and exchange ideas with their peers. These skills can encourage kids to open their minds to new learnings about the world outside of their immediate circle. Even kids who struggle to keep up in class can improve their communication with the help of literacy skills.
Reading comprehension helps develop critical thinking skills that are essential in the world today. As kids develop their comprehension, they can identify patterns and relationships that they read in the text. This skill will contribute to developing a critical mind based on logic and reason. Critical thinking is a sought-after skill in any industry today. Developing it at an early age will help kids adapt to any environment and excel in the workplace in the future.
Literacy skills encourage life-long learning. As kids get better at reading and writing, they also develop the ability to analyse the things they see and read. Literacy skills can sustain kids’ curiosity and interest in anything and everything. This is a good motivation to never stop learning more about the world, even as kids grow older and wiser through time.
Literacy skills are essential in any person’s development. Kids who participate in activities that will help them improve these skills can become good communicators and critical thinkers. Aside from these four benefits, sharpening literacy skills can help improve a kid’s physical and mental health. With the help of literacy skills, kids will become more confident and better equipped to overcome any challenges they encounter at home, in school, and as adults later in their lives.
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