MAKE READING CHILD’S PLAY

Reading is known to cultivate a child’s imagination, out-of-the-box thinking, curiosity and confidence. Experts agree that it also stimulates a lot of early language, literacy and social skills in children.

“It really develops comprehension and increases vocabulary. By creating a shared experience during story time, you promote social skills and bonding between parent and child. You also bring an understanding of communication and emotions,” says Prianka Parusnath, a speech and language therapist at Umhlanga’s Khanyisa Developmental Centre.

Parusnath says jump-starting reading in early childhood can also lead to later academic success,