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Reading is a key component of learning for our Northbridge International School Cambodia Primary students. In school, and during virtual learning, children practise their reading skills daily. But why is a daily reading routine important and what can parents do to support their children through the Virtual School Experience (VSE)?
Why is reading important?
Reading improves cognitive development and language skills. Through reading and listening to stories, children are able to develop their understanding of the world and are exposed to language that they would not hear in daily conversation.
Research has shown that reading for pleasure makes a huge difference to a child’s academic performance. Children who read for enjoyment on a daily basis perform better in tests, have a broader vocabulary and an increased general knowledge!
Reading helps children to increase their attention span. Choosing a quiet place away from distractions allows students to focus on one thing for the duration of a story. Exposure to books also strengthens your child’s imagination and creativity as it allows them to explore fictional worlds where anything can happen.
Right now, taking care of our mental health is more important than ever. Reading can provide a much-needed break from the real world and can reduce stress in these uncertain times.
What can parents do to support their children through the VSE?
Reading with or to your child each day is a great way to spend quality one-on-one time with them away from screens. Regardless of whether your child is a fluent reader or they are just learning to read, you can play a vital role in keeping them interested in reading by creating a reading routine at home.
Tips for creating a reading routine at home:
Consistency - Read at the same time in the same place so reading becomes a part of your normal daily routine.
Variety - Read a variety of fiction and non-fiction genres.
Comprehension - Talk about the book by making predictions and asking questions.
Interest - Choose books on topics that are of high interest to your child.
Read everything! - Look for opportunities to practise reading in everyday life e.g. food packaging, road signs, menus, instruction manuals etc.
You can access online eBooks for free on the following websites:
Destiny Discover - Northbridge International School Library
Reading is one of the most important life skills we can teach our children. As such, it is vital that we make time for reading each day at Northbridge and at home.
Last week, our second annual NISC Cup kicked off, with four schools and over one hundred students facing off to see who would be taking home the silverware on offer in separate boys’ and girls’ competitions. Last year CIA girls’ team won a thrilling final and were hoping that the cup would be returning to their school for a second year in a row, while our own NISC boys’ team were hoping to retain their hard won 2023 title.
World Children's Day, celebrated on November 20th, is a global occasion dedicated to promoting the rights and well-being of children everywhere.
Metacognition is the process of thinking about one’s own thinking. It involves reflecting on how you come to conclusions, understanding why you think the way you do, and recognizing patterns in your thought processes. By developing an awareness of your thinking, you can learn to reduce cognitive biases or identify and reuse effective thought processes in different situations. Essentially, metacognition helps people become more intentional and effective in their actions and decision-making.
At Northbridge International School Early Learning, we believe that children's curiosity is a powerful tool for learning, sparking discoveries that help them develop important skills for life. Through loose parts play, we create an environment where children’s natural inquisitiveness shines.