By  Aileen Quimpo Hernandez

Parents are always searching for that special method to give their children an edge in school or in everyday life -- hungry for that revolutionary new research on cognitive development.  It can be seen in milk and vitamins commercials on how they can make children smarter and what new ingredients will help develop the brain (DHA, Zinc, and more).  Yet, one of the most powerful development tools for a child’s brain is something that schools have been toting around since the eighteenth century: books.

Reading develops good thinking

The love of literary works is the hallmark of forward-thinkers. Great men including Albert Einstein stress the importance of reading fiction for the development of thinking.  

The process of reading in and of itself helps the child improve their basic reading words, or learn to read faster.  But what can spell the difference between a reader who is good at merely remembering, and readers who become creative learners?  The answer lies in what happens after the book is read; engaging children in a proper discussion of what was read opens up a plethora of linked topics and learning opportunities. These well-developed thinking skills are what make children “smarter,” and is the first step towards earning a place among philosophers and scholars. 

Here are some reading comprehension strategies to get the best out of every book you and your child read:

Recall the story

Begin by asking the child about what he has just read.  Who are the characters? Where did the story happen?  What was the problem?  How was it solved?  Take note of your child’s age and use words that are easy for him to understand. This first step aims to develop purposeful reading, helping the child understand that every element of the story contributes to the meaning and appreciation of any book. (For suggestions on choosing the best books for your child, read our related article here.)

Clarify

Every time a story is finished, there are always questions from the child: How did the magic beanstalk grow so fast? Why did Jack chop off the beanstalk in the end?  Some of these questions clarify details while others help them understand the story better. Take note when your child is trying to understand how fiction and reality are different; parents have to carefully explain in a way that makes sense to the child and is aligned with his or her own experiences.

Go beyond the story

When children realize their ability to explore other things about the story than what was read, it opens up completely new worlds. What if you were Jack? What other magical thing can the castle contain aside from the singing harp and the goose with the golden eggs?  If you’d like to create a crossover from another fairytale, who would the characters be, and what could happen? There are numerous possibilities and just as many ways to stimulate your child’s interest.

Create

All this discussion can lead to creative output, from writing a poem to arts and crafts. Make materials easily available for your child to show his creative take on the story. She can draw her rendition of the giant or the castle. She can write a letter to Jack.  She can write a sequel to the story. There is no wrong answer and your child should have the means and freedom to exercise her imagination.

Why it’s crucial

Creativity is a measure of the higher order of thinking: this makes fictional stories a necessary part of learning development. This gives your child the gift for original ideas and innovation which will be essential to success. In today’s global, competitive environment, success is no longer defined merely by how smart you are, what degree you have acquired, or how much of a hard worker you are.  Organizations look for innovative, creative, and divergent thinking. Reading books will allow your child to practice all this.

There will be times when your child will not be as interested in reading as you would like them to be. Learn some helpful tips here.

Aside from guiding their children, parents can also find programs that help with reading, particularly beginning reading. The Learning Library’s online reading classes, READING SAFARI, THE READING ADVANTAGE, and ENGLISH EDGE  include storytelling to develop both comprehension and the love of reading. 

To learn more and schedule your child for an online reading assessment, send a message to inquiries@learninglibraries.com.