Book is an open-ended resource that can be used in many different ways. In order to see outside of the box, you need to look at it through the eyes of a child.
A book is a gift you can open again and again.
– Garrison Keillor.
Children are born with unlimited curiosity and creativity. They have their own ways of explore the world around them. They are not equipped with all the skills and tools that we as adults use, when we open a book.
But it doesn’t mean that their way of exploring the book is less important. So how do we activate that creativity in our children instead of imposing our way of looking at the book?
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The founder of the first Reggio Emilia school said:
Our task regarding creativity is to help children climb their own mountains, as high as possible. No one can do more.
– Loris Malaguzzi.
As adults, we might have our own perception of reality that for the child might be very limiting. When we open a book we tend to see the text, the words, the story. But when children open the book, they see so much more.
They might see the colors, the objects, the pictures, the patterns. To climb your own “mountain” and help children climb theirs, each time you open the book try to find something you haven’t seen before.
You don’t have to be a trained educator to see the links to the variety of curriculum areas.
You can simply go through the disciplinary skills list and put them in a context relevant to the children and related to the books you’re exploring.
The Main Objectives When Reading Books with Your Child
Each page of the book can become a mini-story that presents certain settings, problems, and characters. Children can look at them separately from the rest of the book which allows them to use:
- critical thinking
- research skills
- senses
When exploring the books with children, we often realize that they might create their own understanding of the symbols and illustrations they see from their perspective. In order to see the books through the eyes of our children, we can try to change our perspective by play with the book:
- isolating certain elements
- change the focus
- change the point of view
A great author, an influencer, and a politician said:
“What do you look for when you explore books with your children?”
“Did you ask your children what are THEY looking for in book?”
Keep in mind that reading is an essential part of learning and it is so beneficial in our daily lives. Put aside all those video games and gadgets, and let instill the love if reading in your children. It soothes our soul, it is good for the brain, encourage empathy and boosts our child intelligence as well.
You can start by finding a book that suits your children’s interest. Bring him or her to the bookstore and let him explore and choose the book that he likes. From there, you can start to cultivate reading as a hobby in your child.
To find more examples of open-ended learning engagements and play-based activities for children age 4 to 7 years old, visit K.I.D.S. TIME’s playlist today! You (and your kids!) will be entertained with incredible discoveries and stories.