Brain growth in the early years of life relies upon sensory experiences that stimulate the synapses and trigger the creation of new brain connections. The more complex these connections are, the more intelligent we become. Reading is one of the most important and vigorous activities that helps stimulate the brain and makes children smarter.
Here are five reasons why children should learn how to read at an early age.
- Early reading raises a child's IQ. A report published by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada states that not only does reading boost intelligence, it also help(s) children compensate for modest levels of cognitive ability (Cunningham and Stanovich, 1998). According to the authors, reading has cognitive consequences that extend beyond its immediate task of lifting meaning from a particular passage. These consequences carry profound implications for the development of a wide range of cognitive capabilities.
- Early readers get a head-start in accumulating reading volume and, consequently, in reading success. Reading fluency in the early years paves the way for better language acquisition, comprehension, literacy development, and writing skills. Children who don't start reading until they are older will have less practice and may not achieve reading success until much later. As a consequence, they may have difficulty acquiring language and comprehension skills factors that can affect their performance at school.
- Early readers have a higher success rate at school. Early reading success is a good predictor of future academic achievement. Children who become fluent readers at a younger age and who then grow up to enjoy reading tend to score better in math and in languages than their counterparts who don't. Early readers also develop a lifelong reading habit that helps them do well at school and at work, and succeed in adult life.
- Early readers develop fluid intelligence. This is the major category of intelligence that concerns our ability to solve problems, to detect significant patterns and relationships, and to understand things. Early readers get a running start on the ability to read between the line an important skill not only for reading but also for everyday human interaction and communication.
- Early reading develops understanding and increases the use of the imagination. Early reading opens up whole new ways of taking in and comprehending the world around the young child. When children read stories, they grow intellectually and emotionally. Reading literature fosters creativity and expands the child's awareness of himself and of others. Emotional intelligence, particularly theory of mind the ability to understand the mental state of other people is improved. And, just as importantly, when children are able to read independently, they develop autonomy and self-confidence.
Encourage children to read by taking them to the library, reading to them, and enrolling them in reading programs. The earlier children begin to read, the better their chances are at becoming fluent readers and at developing cognitive, emotional, and social capacities that will serve them throughout their lives. The good news is you can make this possible for your child with the Summer Instant Reader Program. Visit the Instant Reader center nearest you and find out how your child could become smarter this summer! Only 100 slots available so reserve now! Our friendly and competent staff would be more than happy to assist you!
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