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He was right. Books are an escape route through which adults and children let their imaginations fly and create unique stories. Through reading, a lot of knowledge is acquired, which helps to improve day after day and which favors the emotional and psychological development of the individual.

It is therefore very important that from an early age children acquire the habit of reading, of remembering a large lexicon and also of absorbing various concepts.

The Spanish magazine Serpadres.es interviewed Sergio Díez, head of the library service of the Colegio Brains in Spain. The latter stated that “Children who are used to reading and who have a daily reading routine have a broader vocabulary, greater comprehension and, in addition, make fewer spelling mistakes when writing”.

But how can children become interested in reading early on?

Diéz affirms that “Their first contact takes place, in many cases, when they begin the school phase and unfortunately they end up relating textbooks to study, that is to say with the obligation. Instead, the interest in reading should be stimulated by parents when children are very young, even before they learn to read. We have to offer the books as another game alternative. ”

Finally, even if not all books are valid for the purpose of improving reading, it is important to choose the right one for the age and learning phase that the child is experiencing.

The book must be seen by children as a toy: the little ones have to touch it, have to play with it, always have someone close to it. This is important, as when they grow up, they will not perceive books as boring.

Forcing children to read is a big mistake. It is necessary to make sure that they feel the interest in reading for themselves: this happens when the little ones perceive reading as a satisfaction.
Asking for advice and visiting libraries can be very helpful in finding the right book. In fact, in many cases, parents don’t know which book is the most recommended based on age and learning stage and need someone to suggest it. The fact that the book is suitable for the child is the key to ensuring that the little one does not lose the routine of reading.

Let the children choose the books themselves. The little ones have to take the books that appeal to them most and that suit their interests the most. Of course, parents should always check that the content and vocabulary are age appropriate. In addition, this makes the little ones learn to choose.

Finally … adults need to lead by example and read! If we want children to read, they must also see their parents reading, since children usually tend to imitate the behaviors of adults around them. So … everyone to read!

Reading is of decisive importance for children from the early years of their life. The libraries are just as useful, since they can provide valuable advice on the most appropriate books to read at home.

An interesting book that addresses these issues is written by Giovanna Malgaroli and Fabio Bazzoli , is entitled Dear parents welcome to the library (Bibliographic Publishing) and provides ideas and valuable advice to start and continue over time a path of reading from an early age.

We interviewed the authors, both expert librarians with years of experience, to get them to tell us something more.

GM “Any discourse on reading must be placed in the context of the communication and relationship that will soon interest girls and boys, before they begin to speak. So listening to reading – at the beginning of rhymes, lullabies and nursery rhymes – can begin immediately , there are those who propose it already in pregnancy, to create a sound and word bond with the baby and the baby immediately. At about six months, however, it makes sense to start offering the first book , initially to be used together with adults and children. child, in her arms (as in the posture exemplified so effectively in the “Born to Read” logo), later to be used in an increasingly competent and autonomous way by the girl and the boy, as a rich object that draws attention of mouth, hands,eyes and ears “.

FB ” Shared reading in the family creates common ground between parents and children , increases the self – esteem of both and fosters mutual understanding. In short, it provides parents with a privileged channel of communication with girls and boys. Being able to make reading a common practice in a family is certainly a support for parenthood “.

GM “It must be said that in addition to the benefits for girls and boys, there are also important ones for parents. But let’s start with those for girls and boys. Listening to a language other than the common one, with emotional and literary nuances , as well as the sharing of images, which are the main content of books for early childhood, are an invaluable nourishment for the minds of children and greatly facilitate their cognitive and linguistic development “.