The Importance of Reading Habits in Early Childhood
In a world filled with screens and fast-paced distractions, cultivating the habit of reading in young children is more crucial than ever. At New India National School, we believe that reading is not just a skill — it’s the foundation of a child’s academic success and personal growth.
📖 Why Early Reading Matters
Research consistently shows that children who are exposed to reading early in life:
Develop stronger language and communication skills
Show greater imagination and creativity
Perform better academically across subjects
Build empathy and emotional intelligence
Cultivate focus, patience, and critical thinking
In essence, reading lays the groundwork for lifelong learning and success.
👶 Start Early: Reading to Infants and Toddlers
It’s never too early to start. Reading aloud to babies builds listening skills and helps them recognize sounds, rhythms, and patterns. Even toddlers benefit from simple picture books that connect images with words, helping build vocabulary and comprehension before they even speak fluently.
Tip: Choose colorful, interactive books with textures, flaps, and repetition for early readers.
🧠 Cognitive and Emotional Benefits
- Language Development: Early readers have a richer vocabulary and better grammar by the time they start school.
- Brain Development: Reading stimulates areas of the brain responsible for memory, attention, and comprehension.
- Emotional Bonding: Shared reading time strengthens the parent-child connection, offering warmth and emotional security.
- Empathy: Through stories, children understand different perspectives and emotions.
📚 Our School’s Reading Initiatives
At New India National School, we take pride in creating a reading-rich environment through:
Daily Storytelling Sessions
Library Hours and Book Corners in Every Classroom
Read-Aloud Activities and Reading Buddies
“Drop Everything and Read” Time (DEAR Time)
Annual Book Fairs and Reading Challenges
Our aim is to make books exciting companions in every child’s journey.
👨👩👧 Tips for Parents to Encourage Reading at Home
- Set a Reading Routine: Just 15–20 minutes a day makes a big difference.
- Be a Reading Role Model: Let children see you reading regularly.
- Create a Reading-Friendly Space: A cozy corner with books invites curiosity.
- Visit Libraries and Bookstores Together: Make it a fun family activity.
- Let Them Choose: Allow children to pick books that interest them, even if they want to reread the same one!
🌱 Final Thoughts
When you help your child fall in love with reading, you give them a gift that lasts a lifetime. It’s not about finishing a book quickly — it’s about sparking imagination, building confidence, and nurturing the joy of discovery.
At New India National School, we don’t just teach children to read — we teach them to love reading.