It is no secret that the early years of a child’s life are important for brain development, with experiences during this time having a significant influence on learning, health and behaviour. Research on brain architecture has revealed that during these formative years, more than a million new neural connections are formed every second. At this stage, creating a strong foundation in early literacy is one of the best ways to support this rapid development. In this article, we’ll explore unlocking potential through early literacy skills in preschool.
Expanding Language and Cognitive Development
One of the primary goals of MindChamps Reading classes is to inspire a deep and abiding love for reading; and there’s a good reason for this.
Introducing books at an early age, beyond broadening vocabulary and enhancing language skills, stimulates cognitive functions such as memory, attention and problem solving. By following narratives in books, children exercise their ability to understand and remember details, all while trying to anticipate outcomes and think critically about the overall message contained within the pages of the book.
As they read, they absorb the rules of grammar, syntax and tone, and also—through the mental skills gained through reading—build a strong foundation for future learning.
Fostering Creativity and Focus
As any long-term reader knows, books are like gateways to new worlds. This exposure, in young minds, the visualisation of different scenarios, character and settings, foster cognitive flexibility, expands their creative faculty. Best of all, it’s fun and —as any parent with a child in our reading programme, will attest—engaging.
But that’s not all, besides fostering creativity, developing early literacy at a young age, improves concentration and focus. Reading requires sustained attention, and this ability is invaluable in academic pursuits and beneficial in other aspects of life.
Enhancing Multi-Sensory Learning
Well written books for preschoolers, such as those found in our Read-Along app, that are designed to be interactive and engaging, and incorporate tactile elements, offer a multi-sensory experience that can help children retain information more effectively.
In a 2018 study, with the help of an fMRI machine, researchers found that children with the strongest literacy skills had more interactivity between different regions of their brain.
This suggests (and confirms what other experts in cognitive experts have found) that multi-sensory exposure helps support the creation of neural connections that are so vital for processing complex information.
MindChamps Reading
By nurturing 8 critical aspects of reading, including engagement, active understanding, narrative intelligence, higher-order thinking skills, phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary building, and structural awareness, MindChamps Reading lays a strong foundation in literacy, which, besides supporting academic success, cultivates a love for reading that lasts a lifetime.
Reach out to us to learn more about how we can support your child’s journey to becoming a confident and capable reader.