This great quote has floated around the business world for years and it is based upon Harry S. Truman’s words “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.”
Teaching our children to read is one of the most rewarding things we will do as homeschool parents. And it is an accomplishment we should celebrate with our children. But as phonics are mastered and we shift our focus to the other English language arts skills like spelling and grammar, I want to encourage you to take time to help children find joy and purpose in reading.
Research abounds on the benefits of reading for children and adults. While I won’t spend a lot of time regurgitating the research, I do want to focus on 6 primary benefits that I have organized with the acronym LEADER. I encourage you to take some time to understand each of these benefits more in-depth. I guarantee it will inspire you! I have also included a few of my family’s favorite read-alouds!
L-Life Purpose or Passion
Reading fiction and non-fiction books introduces us to a world beyond our own that can ignite a passion to change the world or simply a piece of our world. Biographies, missionary stories, and nonfiction history or science books can instill a dream worth pursuing. Freedom Train: The Story of Harriet Tubman, Teresa of Calcutta (Sower Series), and Jim Elliott (Christian Heroes Then and Now) are great examples.
E-Empathy
As children read about the experiences of others, they are better able to relate to another person’s emotions and experiences, which helps them to understand the feelings of others in their immediate circle. Helen Keller, Charlotte’s Web, and Wonder model empathy well to our children.
A-Anxiety Lifter
Do you read for pleasure? If yes, I think this is self-explanatory. There is nothing more relaxing than getting swept up into a great book. Depending on your preferred type of book, you may be transported to a sunny beach, a refreshing mountaintop, or even a historic Victorian mansion! Release children to experience that same feeling! Books like Little House on the Prairie, Island of Blue Dolphins, and Billy and Blaze are just a few examples. This is also a great opportunity to share your favorite childhood book with your children!
D-Develops Vocabulary
Reading improves all language skills, especially vocabulary and writing. As children are exposed to new words that are used in context, they can understand the meaning of a word and how to use it in a way that memorizing a word list and definitions is unable to replicate. While vocabulary programs have their place, nothing replaces the practical vocabulary gained by reading.
E-Enhances Communication Skills: Speaking and Writing
While silent reading exposes children to varied writing styles and vocabulary, reading aloud to children offers an additional benefit of teaching them voice inflections, tones, and patterns that help verbal skills. As another bonus, reading aloud also improves listening skills!
R-Releases Imagination and Creativity
Reading unleashes imagination and creativity by introducing us to new people, places, and situations that are outside our circle. A great author can transport the reader into a new world, where people and experiences are different from our everyday life.
As our children experience quality books, their brains are stimulated so they develop passion and purpose, empathy, vocabulary, and communication skills. It also calms stress and anxiety, which brings our acronym full circle! While not all readers become leaders, all readers will become better people, for themselves, their families, and society. So, what are you waiting for? Grab that book your family has been waiting to experience and start reading! ~ Deanne
