November 23rd 2024
Reading. One of my favourite hobbies and one I know that is shared by many in the Moulsford community. A great way to take a break from busy daily-life tasks and immerse yourself in another world. The benefits of reading are numerous and it plays such a crucial role across the curriculum.
At Moulsford we believe that reading is a fundamental skill and is vital in children's cognitive development and learning. At school, we read with the children to expand their vocabulary, improve comprehension and enhance their ability to express ideas clearly. By engaging with different texts, whether this is graphic novels, newspaper articles, diary extracts or fiction, children learn to identify key concepts, make inferences, and think critically about the material. It is scientifically proven that these skills support their overall academic performance, as reading is not just essential for language but also for subjects like science, history, and mathematics, where understanding complex concepts and instructions is key to success.
When you read or listen to your children at home, they develop a sense of independence in their learning journey. Reading for pleasure or educational purposes outside of school helps reinforce the skills learned in the classroom. It also allows children to explore topics of personal interest, which can inspire curiosity and a love for lifelong learning. Reading at home promotes a relaxed environment where children can practise fluency and expression at their own pace, allowing them to build confidence in their abilities without the pressure of a formal classroom setting.
Studies have proved that regular reading at both school and home strengthens children's ability to focus and stay engaged with learning. As children become more proficient readers, they can handle more complex texts, which improves their problem-solving skills and ability to retain and apply information. This ability to synthesise knowledge across various subjects is essential for academic success and for developing the kind of critical thinking that prepares children for future challenges. By fostering a habit of reading, we equip children with the tools they need not only for school but for lifelong learning and personal growth, developing emotions as well as empathy.
At Moulsford, we are keen that reading for enjoyment is at the forefront of everything. Very often I find that frustration around reading for a child is simply that they have not found the right thing to read about. This is where our fantastic librarian Mrs Manning can help! She has a wealth of knowledge and can easily steer a reluctant reader onto a winning series. Reading can take on many forms whether this is reading subtitles during a film or tv programme, listening to an audio book or siblings reading a story to each other. So, encourage your children to branch out, read widely, try new forms or text types as they could surprise themselves and discover that they are a reader too!
