Reading is a fundamental skill that helps to nurture your child’s imagination, creativity and language abilities. It surely is a fun and engaging activity, but we’re also after the cognitive abilities they develop in your child.
As parents and educators, we understand that nurturing your child’s reading habit isn’t always the easiest task. With so much vying for their attention in this day and age – from screens to other activities around them – it can be difficult getting our kids to pick up a book regularly!
A solution? We agree that one of the most effective ways to cultivate a reading habit in your child is by setting a routine. Why not start by having them practise every night before bed?
Is It Good To Read Before Bed?
Yes, it’s good to read before bed. From better sleep quality to improved focus to enhanced memory, we could go on and on about the benefits of building a reading habit before bedtime. We’ll leave our nuggets of wisdom below:
1. Reading Before Bedtime Ensures Quality Sleep
Are you tired of battling with your child to put down their electronic devices before bedtime? Well, you’re right to do that. The blue light emitted by screens interferes with the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. And when that happens, our body’s circadian rhythm is disrupted, which is why many of us have difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep and feeling rested the next morning.
Switching to books signals to the brain that it’s time to rest. By helping your child to relax and calm the mind, it’s only natural they’ll slowly doze off to a restful sleep while reading.
Our tip? Read with them to set an example and encourage them to follow.
2. Reading Before Bedtime Enhances Focus Levels
When the electronics are away, your child isn’t bogged down by incoming notifications. That’s one distraction out of the way. Add to that the quiet time after dinner, and you can see why picking up a book before bed is perfect for focused reading. This enhances their concentration and attention span, which can lead to improved performance in school and other activities.
Try setting up a conducive reading environment to make the most out of bedtime reading. This includes a quiet and comfortable bedroom, a reading lamp to reduce eye strain and books your primary school child finds engaging.
3. Reading Before Bedtime Reduces Mental Clutter
Do you know that feeling of having too much on your mind before bed? Your child can feel the same. Reading before bedtime can then help to declutter and calm the mind. Focusing on a good book helps to shift your child’s attention away from the stresses of the day and onto a captivating story. Plus, it strengthens their cognitive function, making them sharper and more alert the next day.
4. Reading Before Bedtime Improves Memory
Reading before bedtime is an underrated habit for memory retention, so we can’t help but emphasise this. By reading regularly before bed, your child’s brain is primed to remember information more effectively, be it the story’s plot or a new word they come across. Imagine your child easily using new words in their daily lives – we say this is the perfect vocabulary-building trick! Plus, by reading together with them, both of you can discuss the story so your child understands the material better. And while doing that, you create a special bonding moment with your little one, allowing you to spend quality time together while fostering their love for literature. It’s a win-win situation for both of you!
5. Reading Before Bedtime Boosts Performance In School
With all these benefits in mind, it’s no surprise that your child will do better in school. When your child gets enough sleep, they are better equipped to concentrate and retain information during class. By reducing mental clutter before bed, they can start each day with a clearer mind and a more positive outlook. This means being able to retain information in class and keep their focus throughout lessons, so they can comprehend and recall the material they learn in school.
Reading with your child also has a positive impact on their school performance. By sharing stories and discussing them together, your child gains a deeper understanding of language, grammar and vocabulary. This, in turn, can translate to better communication skills essential for success in school and beyond.
This means when your child joins our MindChamps English Reading classes, they’ll be more receptive to new information and reading strategies, enhancing their experience with us. At MindChamps, we understand the importance of a well-rounded education. That’s why our reading enrichment classes focus on a balance of both instructor-led and personal learning. By starting each day with a refreshed mind, they’ll be ready to engage with our experienced instructors and participate in our dynamic and interactive lessons. Plus, when you ignite in them an interest in reading, we can then help develop it into a lifelong love of learning. So give your child the gift of a good bedtime story, and watch them thrive in our English reading enrichment classes and beyond!
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