It’s never too early to get your kids reading! (Lucy, 5 months)
Did you know that since the year 2000, our attention span has dropped 40 percent?
If you ask any teacher if it was easier to hold a child’s attention ten years ago, I believe the answer would be a resounding YES!
With the ding, ding, ding and the drop down menus and ten-things-screaming-at-once for the attention of your child, it’s harder than ever for the tech-savvy child to sit focused. To simply pay attention when necessary.
Enter the book.
Studies have repeated shown that access to books and reading time is a leading predictor of school success. When a child sits to read, he or she must quiet down. Focus on the page and nothing else. Your child’s brain functions of logic, comprehension, vocabulary, and memory are all being strengthened.
I love this quote from Charlie Jones:
The love of books is an infectious sort of thing. Children don’t learn it; they catch it.
Have your children catch you in the act of reading. Right now, I’m really enjoying The Best Yes by Lysa TerKeurst and Teen-Proofing by John Rosemond. When your children see you on the couch with a good book, it will encourage them to do the same.
Other things you can do to help your kids to love books are:
- Read aloud to your child
- Visit the library regularly (it doesn’t get much better than free!)
- Require reading time before screen time
- Find books that interest your child
What book are your children enjoying right now? How about you?
