Speech and Reading for Child Development
Reading with children, learning to read and being read to takes us to new places both through child development and through our imaginative journeys
Studies such as Dickson et al., 2011 have found evidence that “children begin to benefit when regular reading begins as early as 8 months and that children benefit most from regular reading routines that include sensitive and responsive, language-rich interactional routines. Evidence from multiple countries suggests that the simple act of providing books to families can increase the frequency of reading, of library use and may have beneficial effects on interactions around books.” Pediatric occupational therapists recommend reading to children because it can enhance their overall development in several ways:
1) Cognitive development: Reading can stimulate the brain and promote critical thinking skills, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities. These foundational skills are the stepping stones a child later needs for executive functioning.
2) Social-emotional development: Reading with a caregiver can strengthen the bond between them and provide opportunities for emotional expression and empathy. It can also help set the stage for your child to learn about novel social experiences and more about themselves.
3) Motor development: Turning pages and holding a book can improve fine motor skills through finger digit isolation and functional pinch grasp.
4) Preparation for academic success: Reading at an early age can lay the foundation for academic success later in life.
5) Encouraging imagination: Reading with your child can inspire their imagination and creativity, and help them understand the world around them. This can later help with the development of their play skills.
6) Relaxation: Reading together can be a calming and relaxing activity, which can help children develop good bedtime habits and sleep routines.
7) Ocular Motor/ Visual Fixation- Reading is an activity that can help improve visual fixation and ocular motility. Visual fixation refers to the ability to maintain a stable gaze on a particular object, while ocular motility refers to the ability of the eyes to move smoothly and accurately. When we read, our eyes must focus on a specific point in order to see the text clearly, and then move smoothly from one word to the next. This requires a high level of visual fixation and ocular motility. As we read, our eyes must make quick and accurate movements, such as saccades (rapid movements between fixation points) and smooth pursuits (tracking moving objects). Over time, regular reading can help improve visual fixation and ocular motility. This is because reading exercises the muscles that control eye movements, helping to strengthen them and improve their coordination. In addition, reading can also improve visual processing and perception, which can further enhance our ability to fixate on and track objects.
8) Figure Ground/Visual Perceptual Skills- Figure-ground perception is the ability to distinguish an object from its background. Reading can help children develop figure-ground perception by training their visual system to focus on the text and distinguish it from the page. When children learn to read, they must learn to visually distinguish individual letters and words from the surrounding text and other images on the page. This requires the ability to perceive the foreground (text) and the background (page) as separate entities. Reading can also improve figure-ground perception by increasing attention and focus. When children read, they must pay attention to the text and block out distractions, which can help them develop their ability to focus and filter out irrelevant information. This skill can then transfer to other areas of their lives, such as in the classroom or in social situations. In addition, reading can help develop visual processing skills, such as scanning, tracking, and visual memory. These skills are important for figure-ground perception, as they enable children to scan and track lines of text, and remember what they have read. Overall, reading can have a positive impact on the development of figure-ground perception in children.
9) Language development- Reading helps to children to develop their vocabulary, pronunciation, and comprehension skills.
Overall, reading with children can have a positive impact on their physical, cognitive, and emotional development. It is important that caregivers and families work with a child’s currently self-regulation abilities to create a positive, calming environment for reading. Self-regulation is the ability to manage one’s own emotions, behaviors, and attention, and it’s an important skill for children to develop. Here are some tips for helping your child self-regulate prior to reading a story:
1) Set a routine: Establish a consistent routine for reading, such as reading before bed or after lunch. This can help the child feel more relaxed and prepared for the activity.
2) Engage in physical activity that is custom to their movement needs: Engage in physical activity to promote self-regulation, such as playtime or exercise, before reading. This can help release excess energy and reduce distractions. Typically, activities that involve heavy work, or deep proprioceptive input to the muscles and joints to help create a calming effect to the body. These activities may include animal walks, tug-of-war, tight hugs, etc. Warm baths that engage the entire body in a tactile experience can help create a calm, cozy environment set up for reading. In addition, an add-on to some lavendar scent or lavendar essential oil can also be a calming olfactory sensory experience for your child.
3) Practice deep breathing: Teach the child deep breathing exercises to help calm their body and mind. Encourage them to take slow, deep breaths and to focus on their breath. In addition, including oral motor exercises such as blowing imaginary flowers, a small pinwheel etc. If your child struggles with imitation of breathing, you can place a stuffed animal on their belly as they lie down for them to visually see go up and down with each large breath.
4) Use positive language: Use positive language and reinforce positive behavior to help the child feel confident and capable.
5) Provide choices: Give the child choices, such as selecting the story or deciding where to read, to help empower them and promote a sense of control.
6) Create a calm environment: Create a calm and comfortable environment for reading, such as dimming the lights or using a cozy blanket that may have weight. Be sure if using a weighted blanket to only use a maximum of 5% of your child’s body weight.
By helping your child self-regulate prior to reading, you can set the stage for a more enjoyable and engaging reading experience. It’s important to be patient and supportive as your child develops this skill and to make reading a positive and enjoyable experience.
Citations:
Dickinson, D. K., Griffith, J. A., Golinkoff, R. M., & Hirsh-Pasek, K. (2012). How reading books fosters language development around the world. Child development research, 2012.
In honor of Read Across America month, our SOTH staff has curated a list of their favorite books. Please click here to be directed to our Amazon Storefront where you may look at the selections.