Practical suggestions brings specialist to take advantage of free time with children and encourage reading during the school break
During school holidays, free time can represent much more than rest. This period is also ideal for strengthening cognitive, social and emotional stimuli in children slightly and pleasantly, especially through the reading and involvement of the family.
According to the Reading Portraits of Reading in Brazil (2020), of the Pro-book Institute, only 52% of the Brazilians are considered readers, a percentage that tends to fall in age. However, encouraging a taste for reading during childhood not only expands vocabulary and cultural repertoire, but also contributes directly to school performance and intellectual autonomy.
For the neuropedagogo Mara Duarte, pedagogical director of the Rhema neuroeducation, the role of families is essential to instigate children’s curiosity and promote their learning.
“When parents and guardians exploit the time of holidays to read with their children or propose playful activities with books, they are strengthening emotional ties and at the same time promoting skills such as attention, memory and language”, explains Mara.
However, the professional underlines that cognitive development must not be connected to the rigidity of a classroom. “Learning becomes more significant when it is experienced with pleasure and emotional connection”, adds the expert, who separated six practical tips to encourage children to read during the holidays:
1. Create a reading angle at home
Separate a comfortable space with cushions and natural light, where the child can freely explore books. “The environment influences very interest in reading. A welcoming space can become a refuge of imagination and knowledge”, recommends Mara.
2. Read together and ask questions about history
Shared reading stimulates the link and develops understanding skills. “Talking about the characters, foresee what can happen or relate to the story with the real life expands the critical ability of the child,” says the expert.
3. Vary the types of texts and media
In addition to physical books, it is valid to use audiobooks, magazines, comics or even educational applications. “Diversify of sources stimulates different forms of attention and language”, guides the neuropedagogo.
4. Mount a “thematic week” based on a book
Choose a central book and plan activities around the theme. They can be recipes, cultural visits, drawings and music, for example. “This interdisciplinary approach activates different areas of the brain and maintains the child’s interest”, underlines Mara.
5. Encourage the creation of one’s own stories
It encourages the child to create his own stories, written or drawn, strengthens imagination, expression and reasoning. “When he invents, he organizes ideas, connects information and develops intellectual autonomy,” explains the neuropathogo.
6. Choose books based on the age group
Make sure the stories are adapted to the age group and children’s interests. For minors, books and interactive songs are welcome. Already among the elderly, adventure stories, mystery or biographies can be excellent starting points for conversations, dramatizations or even creative projects such as drawings or small stages.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
