Studies have shown a sharp decline in children reading for fun. Children are spending more time online, texting, and on social media. According to a report in 2016 by The Conversation, the average 12th grader spends six hours a day in front of the screen. We want to remind you and your child that reading is not an outdated activity. North Tampa Christian Academy, a Tampa private school, encourages her to continue reading, find joy in it, so she can grow and develop into an intelligent, hardworking adult. The benefits are endless, but here’s a few!
Reading Builds a Stronger Bond With You
Your child is working hard every day. At the end of the day, snuggling up with you a book is the best way to say goodnight. You want to show her that reading doesn’t have to be a chore, but a nurturing activity that brings your family together.
Adjusting to New Experiences
Your child is constantly experiencing major milestones in her life. This can be stressful for her, so sharing stories is an incredible way to ease the transition. For example, if your child is nervous about meeting peers at school, share a relevant story about this topic to help with her anxiety.
Enhancing Concentration
Children are known for having short attention spans and squirm during storytime. Making reading time a daily routine — even for just 15 minutes — will eventually reduce her distractions. Reading comprehension encourages strong self-discipline, improved memory, and longer attention spans.
Logical Thinking
Through reading, your child will have a better grasp of abstract concepts and be able to find logical solutions. She will analyze cause and effect, plus enforce good judgment. When she starts to apply scenarios in the stories to real life, that’s when the magic happens.
Reduced Screen Time
By spending more time reading, your child will spend less time on her digital devices. Spending time in front of the screen can make your child more prone to health symptoms, such as headaches, eye strains, neck and shoulder pain, reduced attention span, and irritability. Go back to the basics and encourage your child to participate in a healthy habit!
At North Tampa Christian Academy, a Tampa private school, the faculty, staff, and families work as a team. Our service-oriented approach builds Christian leaders who think deeply, choose wisely, create beauty, and use their dreams to solve problems. Want to learn more about what makes us different? Contact us today.