Does the Choice of Books You Read to Your Young Children Matter?
The choice of books you read to your young children is not a simple question with a simple answer. It depends on the age of the child, the content of the book, and the enjoyment derived by the reader. While the sound of an adult's voice and language are crucial when children are very young, reading picture books and stories as they grow becomes more significant.
Importance of Your Voice and Language
When children are extremely young, what matters most is the sound of the adult's voice and the language being spoken. Infants are still learning to distinguish the sounds in their language as they hear them. As they grow older, they will start to relate and enjoy stories and pictures in books. At this stage, the content of the book matters, but so does whether it allows for interactive play and enjoyment from the reader and the child.
Enjoyment and Repetition
Reading books that you enjoy is essential, especially when your child is young. Repetition becomes a crucial factor; kids who are read to a lot will greatly appreciate and enjoy their favorite stories. Books that rhyme and have a rhythmic flow are particularly enjoyable to read. For example, the works of Dr. Seuss and Sandra Boynton are well-regarded for their fun and engaging quality. If a book lacks rhythm and doesn't have a smooth flow, it can feel disjointed and less enjoyable. Always read books that you find appealing as a parent. Keep in mind that children often pick up on the content and may repeat it faster than you think.
Interest in Parents' Passions
Children are generally interested in what their parents are passionate about. If you have a particular interest in mathematics, your child may become fascinated with reading calculus books, even if they don't fully understand the content yet. However, do not underestimate your child's capacity to begin more advanced studies at a younger age. For instance, children around the age of 8 or 9 are developmentally ready to start learning calculus. Similarly, children have a natural curiosity and can thrive on a variety of subjects and content, including those they might not fully understand initially. For example, ten-year-olds can learn perfect Spanish from TV programs and thrive just as well.
Educational Value and Development
Dependent on the age of your child, the choice of books can significantly impact their development. John Medina's book, Brain Rules for Baby, argues that reading a phonebook to a baby can have positive effects similar to reading a classic work by Jane Austen. However, the enjoyment derived by the parent is still paramount. Reading material that bores the parent might not be conducive to a positive reading experience for the child. Medina suggests that parents should choose books that get them excited about spending time with their children reading, as their enthusiasm is crucial.
Setting Boundaries and Promoting Independence
As your child grows older, it's beneficial to set rules for reading to help foster independence and healthy reading habits. For example, after My Neighbor Totoro Picture Book was read 16 times, I instituted a rule for my child: I would read any book to him only once a night. When he turned five, the rule changed to, "I would read any book to him once; after that, you can read it yourself if you want to." The intent was not to control what the child read but to ensure I would continue to enjoy reading to him.
Ultimately, the choice of books you read to young children should balance enjoyment, educational value, and the child's developing interest in the content. By selecting books that both you and your child enjoy, you can create a positive and engaging reading experience that fosters a lifelong love of literature and learning.