The Importance of Reading

By 2019-12-04 11:01:30

Reading is a way to develop your brain. Your brain is essentially a muscle that you must activate and, even more importantly, the same goes for your child as their mind is in development. "Language acquisition and literacy skills. When we read to our children from the time they are little, it stimulates a part of the brain that helps them understand the meaning of language and is part of their preparation to understand the written word.”

Reading to your child is also essential.

“…even after they have learned to read themselves. It's a bonding experience!"

Why for young kids, is creativity more important now than ever before?

According to Barney, “the world is changing, and we need to be adaptable. We need to be creative problem solvers. With A.I. turning up in more places every day, we have to think differently to create a world we can live in. To survive and thrive and being creative can help us adapt.”

Being inventive is about dealing with things, on a larger scale, including the problems and digressions of every day. It is about “Finding a new way to make dinner or to avert traffic. How do you manage your world? Are you creative about it?”

In this vein, simply having art supplies and making art with your children is a great way for you to connect with each other. If they see you are willing to draw, even if you don't think you're an artist, and you can be non-judgmental, it will be an excellent lesson for your children to take chances and be brave.

Barney’s China adventure was thanks to Citic Publishing and the Be Better family habits platform that runs educational and wellness challenges for schools, corporations, and NGOs to help build personal habits. Barney spoke at the Cage Your Kids Sunday, which is a regular Be Better sponsored family event that combines exercise with reading and creativity for families in Shanghai.

 

Barney's Top Three Recommenended Books

1. Again by Emily Gravett.

2. They All Saw A Cat by Brendan Wenzel

3. Hello Lighthouse by Sophie Blackall

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