Phantasmagorical Pages of Potential and Possibility: How Turning Pages Ignites Children’s Minds.
Photo by Ezhil Kumaran @krazziegrim
In a world full of bubbling volcanoes, incandescent waters, auroras, both borealis and australis, lizards that walk on water, birds that dance a two step to find a mate, freshly mown grass, stripping sycamore trees, hot fudge on a vanilla ice cream mound stuck in a waffle cone upside down mountain, an invisible shroud of virtual life slowly swallows tangible sensory realities. It is almost something out of the twilight zone, where no one speaks to each other and everyone is under the lock of a screen, mindlessly scrolling with glazed eyes and calloused fingers. We are living in a world dominated by screens and digital distractions and the timeless act of reading holds an unparalleled almost significance, especially for our children. The act of reading is an art form, a sacred passage, a tradition, our ancient’s identity and legacy that we cannot afford to lose and must do everything to save. Beyond merely flipping pages, reading is a gateway to boundless imagination, cognitive development, empathy cultivation, and lifelong learning. Let’s do a deep dive into why fostering a love for reading in children is not just a noble pursuit but an imperative one.
Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body. For children, it’s a form of mental gymnastics, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and language acquisition. As they navigate through adventures, narratives, and stories, they encounter new words, concepts, and perspectives, expanding their cognitive horizons with each turn of the page.
Each book is a passport and a flight to worlds, planets, dimensions, and perspectives beyond our own, where dragons breathe fire, or recite Shakespearean wisdom, pirates sail the open azure seas and sing opera, and dreams take flight. By immersing themselves in stories, children exercise their imagination muscles, envisioning landscapes, characters, and scenarios that transcend the confines of reality. They are building, one brick at a time each world they travel to. This imaginative play not only enriches their inner worlds but also lays the foundation for creative thinking and innovation.
Photo by @cramtek
The dragon after burning the city down with one dreadful exhalation, reached out with his warty, scarred chicken leg claws for a cup of earl grey tea and said: “There, there now. It’s going to be okay villagers. Don’t get into such a fuss and be a sourpuss. ‘Sweet are the uses of adversity which, like the toad, ugly and venomous, wears yet a precious jewel in his head.’
“I’ve always thought that a good book should be either the entry point inward, to learn about yourself, or a door outward, to open you up to new worlds.”
Through the eyes of fictional characters, children experience a spectrum of emotions— exuberant joy, sorrow, anxiety, fear, caution, amusement and love—forging empathetic connections with individuals vastly different from themselves. By empathizing with the plethora of characters in these various stories, they learn to understand, relate to, evaluate, and respect the diverse perspectives and experiences of others, fostering emotional intelligence and compassion.
“To learn to read is to light a fire; every syllable that is spelled out is a spark.”
The love for reading cultivated in childhood often blossoms into a lifelong passion for learning. Children who read regularly develop a thirst for knowledge that extends far beyond the pages of storybooks. They become curious explorers, eager to unravel the mysteries of the universe, delve into different cultures, and engage with complex ideas, propelling them on a journey of lifelong learning and personal growth.
Reading is the cornerstone of language development, serving as a bootcamp in vocabulary, grammar, and syntax. As children encounter a diverse range of words and linguistic structures in books, they naturally expand their verbal repertoire and enhance their communication skills. Moreover, exposure to well-crafted prose and storytelling nurtures an appreciation for the beauty, power, skill and art of language.
How to nurture a love for reading in children?
1. Start Early: Introduce books to children from a young age, making reading a natural part of their daily routine.
2. Be a Role Model: Let children see you reading for pleasure, demonstrating that reading is enjoyable and valuable.
3. Create a Reading Environment: Design a cozy and inviting reading nook at home, filled with books, cushions, some plush toys, and soft lighting.
Photo by Justin Hart
4. Offer Choice: Allow children to choose their own books based on their interests and preferences, empowering them to take ownership of their reading journey.
5. Read Aloud Together: Share the joy of reading by reading aloud to children regularly, engaging them in interactive discussions about the story.
6. Make it Fun: Incorporate games, activities, and storytelling techniques to make reading sessions enjoyable and interactive.
7. Visit the Library: Take regular trips to the library, allowing children to explore a wide variety of books and discover new favorites.
8. Connect Reading to Real Life: Encourage children to see reading as a valuable tool for learning about the world around them, whether through fiction or non-fiction books.
9. Celebrate Milestones: Celebrate children's reading achievements, whether it's finishing a book, mastering a new word, or exploring a new genre.
10. Foster a Positive Reading Culture: Create a supportive and encouraging environment where reading is celebrated and valued, inspiring children to develop a lifelong love of reading.
11. Give Books As Gifts: There’s no feeling like receiving a gift wrapped up with a note of love. Make that gift a book!
In a world that is running on a treadmill that is on the highest setting, while the media and other elements in it throws all sorts of distractions that we have to duck, jump, and navigate around it is crucial to nurture a love for reading. It starts with parents, educators and guardians. You are the model, and you have the key to unlock this sacred art which will enrich your child’s soul.
What were your favorite books growing up? Comment Below
Mistofer Christopher is the Fractional CEO of Benu Health, author of the children’s book, app, and sing-a-long song: “Talk About The Monster”. He also teaches virtual classes of civilizations, history and ancient scrolls for adults and students.