Perhaps “watching is fun” is a more common sentiment among kids than “reading is fun” now but reading IS fun! And necessary. Because reading is like the gateway to imagination. To focus. And the development of cognitive skills.
Also read: How To Develop Reading Habit in Students?
See how the importance of reading cannot be denied? So it makes sense to find engaging reading materials so your kids can get hooked. Reading materials such as:
- Digital story books
- Magazines
- Newspapers
- Comics
- Audiobooks
- Recipe books
- Emails and letters
- Poems
- Dictionary
- Song lyrics
Of the various kinds of reading materials, let us kick things off with digital story books. For starters, most of these are interactive and can be read on multiple devices, be it your laptop or your tablet.
What makes them cooler and more fun though is the added sound effects and illustrations they come with, drawing kids into the world of the story. And they are accessible anytime, anywhere so that’s a major plus.
Well, only the age appropriate ones for sure. There are a lot of children’s magazines out there that are packed to the hilt with educational stories, informative essays and fun puzzles and games, making them the perfect type of reading material to learn something new. Or to even stay up to date with the latest happenings of the world.
Also read: What’s the Best Way to Teach Kids to Read?
Like the closest cousin to a magazine, only more current and up-to-date, getting your kids into the habit of reading newspapers from an early age will help make them worldly wise. Plus, it’ll also keep them more in sync with current affairs. Just be sure to subscribe to an age appropriate children’s newspaper.
Remember how you used to love comics when you were a kid? Perhaps you can rekindle those memories by developing a love for this type of reading material in your children!
Comics actually continue to be still crazy popular among children. Be it the superhero ones from Marvel and DC to the Japanese manga, there’s a lot to explore and get hooked to in the comicverse.
However, if your kid is too young, we suggest steering clear of the above and handing them classics like Peanuts, Calvin and Hobbes, and The Adventures of TinTin. They will help build your kid’s vocabulary and are sure to give their creativity a boost.
Also read: Effective Ways to Build Pre-Reading Skills in Kids
Sometimes your children need an extra layer of engagement to dive deep into the world of books and that is where audiobooks come in with their immersive narration styles and background score.
They add that extra flair to fantasy stories and fairytales and can actually be a really good alternative to the bedtime stories you read to your children. Especially on the days you’re not available. Besides, they are a great way to unlock and hone your child’s visualisation skills.
A rather unusual reading material, recipe books are kind of a must-read if we are to be honest. Why? Because they help your kids learn the essential art of cooking. Not to mention, they can pique their curiosity of the science behind cooking. A double benefit.
One thing you have got to make sure is to pick a book with very simple recipes. So kids can get the hang of following instructions and cooking terms, and even how to measure individual ingredients. It’s great practice, all in all.
Also read: 20 Key Benefits of Reading
Of the various types of reading materials, emails might actually turn out to be crucial. Because almost all official communications now happen over email. Though some of them might still happen over letters as well, say when it comes to making formal applications.
In any case, kids should know how to read, interpret as well as write emails, both formal and informal. They are part of the primary ways of communication so it only makes sense to learn all about them. Plus, it can be a great way to teach your kids about staying in touch.
When stories are on the list, can poems be far behind? No way! Inherently rhythmic, poems can teach kids about rhymes, expressions and emotions. Besides, their varying lengths can also teach them the art of the brevity of expression as well as in-depth expression.
You can start with Dr. Seuss. Or any other simple poems. The key is to make sure kids get the chance to appreciate the beauty of stringing words together while improving their memories and vocabulary.
This reading material should always be in your kids’ backpacks and their study tables. Reading dictionaries is not only the best way to learn about the origin, pronunciation, use cases and meaning of new words, but it is also a great way to support and encourage independent learning in your little ones.
Need recommendations? Merriam Webster and Scholastic dictionaries might be good for beginners!
Also read: Effective Tips for Reading Aloud to Toddlers
Be it pop songs, hymns, jingles, or rhymes, as long as they are age appropriate, songs can be a great way to get kids excited about learning something new! Their rhymes and rhythms can be so catchy, instantly uplifting your child’s mood while helping grasp a new concept and comprehend the basics of rhythm and flow.
See how the importance of reading shines through in each material? All of them have something to contribute towards the enrichment and growth of your child. In fact, good schools, we believe, should make all of these reading materials available to kids so they can learn from each of them. Just like we do at EuroSchool. Visit us to know more!
