Developing strong reading comprehension skills in early childhood is crucial for children’s early literacy development and sets the foundation for academic success and life-long learning. As our children get older within most formal schooling environments, the key access point to information and learning is often via text. In the modern age, information can be easily found through a quick Internet search. It is thus vital for our children to not only have robust reading comprehension skills, but also critical thinking skills that will support them in being discerning about the information they are consuming.
Vocabulary development
Reading comprehension helps young children build their vocabulary by exposing them to new words and concepts. By understanding the meaning of words in context, children can expand their vocabulary and develop stronger language skills.
Understanding narrative structure Reading comprehension involves understanding the narrative structure of a story, including the beginning, middle, and end, as well as the characters, setting, and plot. This helps young children learn how stories are constructed and how to make connections between events in a story. It also forms the foundation on which they learn how to construct narratives and stories for both academic and social reasons.
Academic success
Developing strong reading comprehension skills in early childhood can set the foundation for academic success later on. As children progress through school, they will need to be able to understand and analyze increasingly complex texts.
Life-long learning
Developing a love for reading and strong reading comprehension skills at a young age can also promote life-long learning. Children who enjoy reading and have strong comprehension skills are more likely to continue reading and learning throughout their lives.
Personal growth
Reading comprehension can foster personal growth by exposing children to new ideas and perspectives. Reading can broaden one’s knowledge, promote empathy and understanding, and encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Daily living
Reading comprehension skills are also important for understanding non-fiction texts, such as informational books or news articles. By developing these skills, young children can learn about the world around them and begin to develop their critical thinking skills. Reading comprehension is also important in everyday life, as it allows individuals to navigate the world around them. For example, reading street signs, medication labels, and product instructions requires strong reading comprehension skills.