Why reading is important for your son

Reading is an essential skill for your son to develop in order to flourish in life. Studies highlight the benefits of reading for children, including helping them to understand the world, enhance their comprehension skills and increase their level of intelligence. The earlier you can encourage your son to love reading, the more significant the benefits will be. Here are several reasons why reading is important for your son, and what you can do to help.

Reading helps to develop literacy skills

Reading is important for your son because it helps him to grow in his literacy and communication skills. It expands his use of language and vocabulary, as well as improving his writing and grammar. Literacy development is a key element in a child’s overall growth and reading plays a significant part in boys’ holistic advancement. Reading aloud to your son when he is young creates shared reading experiences and is influential in his ability to recognise, pronounce and comprehend words.

Reading sparks imagination and stimulates curiosity

Reading does wonders to ignite boys’ creativity and encourages them to use their imagination. By asking questions like, “What do you think will happen next?” or “How do you think this character feels right now?”, it encourages your son to think creatively and empathetically.

Reading creates enjoyment

Maximise the desire to read by making reading enjoyable to improve literacy further. Choose topics that interest your son, but be mindful to find material that challenges his reading capabilities. Researchers have found that children are more likely to be engaged with reading frequently if they can connect personal relevance to their material and are able to set the pace themselves. Reading can also promote positive wellbeing for your son and be a way to relax and wind down.

Reading helps brain development

Reading is important for your son as it has a direct correlation to academic outcomes. Research has found that reading to children every day has a significant positive effect on their reading and cognitive skills. Reading to children aged four to five years old at least four times a week can have the same effect on their reading skills as being six months older. Six to seven times a week can have the same effect as being 12 months older.

Reading tips

Here are some tips to help you make the most of reading with your son:

1. Give it all your attention – be present, keep phones and other devices away where possible and include reading in your daily routine.
2. Engage with the story – keep interruptions to a minimum, recap the story if you take a break and share your thoughts and opinions for an effective way to develop critical thinking skills.
3. Remember that there’s no age limit – it’s never too early to start developing language capabilities; even when your son is a teen, keep encouraging him to read.
4. Choose a book you both enjoy – reading together can be a great way to develop shared passions, all while broadening your child’s horizons.
5. Be yourself – though it’s great to be expressive when reading with your son, don’t feel pressured to do so.

Christ Church Grammar School has an extensive range of co-curricular activities available for boys to further their interests and abilities beyond the classroom, including Reading for Pleasure programs. If you want to learn how we can benefit your child’s education, download our Prospectus.