Everything Exams

One of the most enjoyable activities I have done with my own children and with children in my care is read with them. Together, we have journeyed through magical lands, experienced life through other people’s eyes, and been given the opportunity to debate and explore many difficult topics which we might otherwise never have thought of discussing.

As a child’s parent or caregiver, you have a great influence on their early development. One of the best things you can do to encourage their growth and expand their horizons is to read to them regularly. Shared reading is an interactive activity that promotes creativity, communication, and an overall love of learning. Studies have shown that shared reading with preschoolers can enhance their literary skills after they start school and beyond, so it is very much an investment in their future as well. It’s not just for preschoolers though. I read with my own children and children I worked with as a governess up until they were well into their teens.

Here are some of the benefits I’ve witnessed myself of shared reading with children:

1. Improves Vocabulary

Shared reading gives a child the opportunity to experience the use of language at a higher level than they can sustainably read themselves. This expands their knowledge of English and extends their vocabulary. Reading aloud to a child exposes them to a range of vocabulary you might not use yourself with them and which they may not typically hear in everyday conversations. They can learn new words and understand their meanings in different contexts. 

Reading a variety of books can also teach them about different topics, cultures, and concepts. In my go-to 11 plus reading list for example, I have books which are written from the perspective of people living under dictatorships, as an illegal immigrants and evacuees in WWII. Expanding children’s worlds in this way helps them to become understanding, empathetic, knowledgeable young adults.

2. Enhances Comprehension

Shared reading helps children understand what they’re hearing by asking questions and making connections. As they continue to interact with the stories, they can comprehend the storyline and the events taking place. It can also enhance their memory and listening skills as they recall details from the stories you read. 

I have had older students who struggle on their own with classics by authors such as the Brontë sisters or Dickens. When I’ve taken on the role of reader so that we share the story, I’ve found they can then relax and enjoy the excellent plots and writing style without getting bogged down in the detail of the words.

3. Promotes Imagination

Through reading, children can explore new worlds and ideas beyond their own experiences. It can help them develop their imagination and creativity, as they visualise the characters, settings, and events in the stories. By stimulating their imagination, reading can also promote new ideas and thoughts and give them ideas they can use in their own creative writing. 

4. Builds Relationships

Shared reading creates an opportunity for bonding and creates a memorable experience between the child and the reader. As you read along, you can discuss the story, characters, and share your own ideas and opinions. This can lead to meaningful conversations and strengthen the relationship between you and the child in your care.

With my own children and when I was working as a governess, I used the time just before sleep to do shared reading. It was such a cosy, comforting experience for all of us. My grown up children still talk about stories we read together years ago and it almost feels as if we too were part of the stories. We continue to refer to Dangerous Beans, a character we loved from a Terry Pratchett novel and notice when clouds are ‘scudding’ across the sky, something we learnt about in a series of books by John Flanagan.

5. Cultivates a love for Learning

By participating in shared reading, children will develop positive feelings towards books and reading, which can lead to an overall love for learning. They may enjoy discovering new stories and want to learn more about different topics. Eventually, they will develop the habit of reading on their own, which can further enhance their personal growth.

I worked as a governess with one particular child for five years and recently saw them again, all grown up and about a foot taller than me! We absolutely loved shared reading together, marching our way through dozens of books. I was heartened to learn that they, as a very successful young adult, are a massive fan of audiobooks. All those years ago, a seed was sown which is definitely still growing.

Studies have been carried out which show that preschoolers who participate in shared reading demonstrate long lasting improvements in the areas of reading, spelling and comprehension. Overall, shared reading offers many benefits for children, including enhancing their vocabulary, comprehension, imagination, and relationships. It cultivates a love for learning that can last a lifetime and can give them long lasting improvements in literacy skills. 

Most of all though, I’ve found that it’s just an extremely pleasurable journey you can take with your child 😊