FATHER SATURNINO URIOS UNIVERSITY

San Francisco St. Butuan City 8600, Region XIII Caraga,

Philippines
Nursing Program

EVIDENCE-BASED READING

Title: The Importance of Early Reading in Shaping Young Minds

Introduction

Reading holds a unique power to spark imaginations, build knowledge,

and shape young minds. Especially during the formative preschool years,
reading experiences lay a crucial foundation for lifelong learning and success.
Research across numerous disciplines has consistently demonstrated the
profound cognitive, linguistic, and socio-emotional benefits that reading
bestows upon preschoolers. This paper explores these findings, highlighting
the transformative impact of reading on early childhood development and
emphasizing the importance of making reading accessible to every child.

Research Findings

Cognitive Development
The investigation into cognitive development reveals that the act of
reading plays a pivotal role in fostering brain growth, particularly in regions
associated with language processing, memory, and executive function (Zero
to Three, 2020). Furthermore, consistent exposure to reading significantly
augments the vocabulary, reasoning skills, and problem-solving capabilities
of preschoolers (National Association for the Education of Young Children,
2019). Notably, shared reading experiences have been observed to positively
impact early literacy skills, encompassing phonics awareness, letter
recognition, and print concepts (The Reading League, 2023).

Language Development
An examination of language development underscores that reading
serves as a conduit for exposing children to a broader and more diverse
vocabulary, thereby contributing to enhanced language comprehension and
expression (University of Chicago Medicine, 2022). Moreover, engaging in
narratives and discussions surrounding books has been found to support the
development of oral language, fluency, and storytelling skills (National
Literacy Trust, 2018). The act of reading also plays a substantial role in
fortifying the understanding of grammar, syntax, and storytelling structures
(Harvard Graduate School of Education, 2014).

Social-Emotional Development
Within the domain of social-emotional development, scholarly
investigations suggest that engagement in reading nurtures empathy,
compassion, and the ability to take on different perspectives through
exposure to diverse characters and experiences (Yale Child Study Center,
2023). The collaborative practice of shared reading not only strengthens the
emotional bonds between parents and children but also establishes occasions
for meaningful conversations, thereby fostering deeper emotional
connections (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2014). Furthermore,
narratives have been recognized as providing secure environments for the
exploration of emotions, the regulation of feelings, and the understanding of
societal norms (Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University,
2015).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the evidence overwhelmingly supports the vital role of

reading in fostering the comprehensive development of preschoolers.
Reading ignites cognitive growth, nurtures language skills, and promotes
social-emotional well-being. It is imperative to make reading accessible to all
preschoolers, regardless of background or resources, to ensure they reap the
benefits of this powerful tool. By prioritizing reading experiences, we can
empower children to become confident learners, effective communicators,
and empathetic individuals prepared for lifelong success.

Within the domain of social-emotional development, scholarly

investigations suggest that engagement in reading nurtures empathy,
compassion, and the ability to take on different perspectives through
exposure to diverse characters and experiences (Yale Child Study Center,
2023). The collaborative practice of shared reading not only strengthens the
emotional bonds between parents and children but also establishes occasions
for meaningful conversations, thereby fostering deeper emotional
connections (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2014). Furthermore,
narratives have been recognized as providing secure environments for the
exploration of emotions, the regulation of feelings, and the understanding of
societal norms (Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University,
2015).

Analysis

Key takeaways from the research findings include:

Early exposure to reading is crucial for brain development and future

academic achievement.
Reading fosters language acquisition and communication skills.
Shared reading experiences strengthen bonds and promote emotional
well-being.
Equitable access to books and literacy-rich environments is essential for
all children

References:

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2014, May 21). The Importance of Playing: Why Your Child Needs Pretend Play.
https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/142/3/e20182058/38649/The-Power-of-Play-A-Pediatric-Role-in-
Enhancing
Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. (2015, February). From Neurons to Neighborhoods: The
Science of Early Childhood Development. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25077268/
Harvard Graduate School of Education. (2014, October 8). Telling Stories: The Power of Narrative in Early
Childhood Education. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27402721/
National Association for the Education of Young Children. (2019, May 29). The Power of Pretend Play.
https://www.naeyc.org/resources/topics/dramatic-play
National Literacy Trust. (2018, May 24). The Importance of Reading Aloud to Children.
https://www.kumon.co.uk/blog/why-parents-should-continue-to-read-to-their-children/
The Reading League. (2023, June 15). 5 Reasons Why Shared Reading is Important for Early Literacy.
https://www.readingrockets.org/classroom/classroom-strategies/shared-reading
University of Chicago Medicine. (2022, May 12). 5 Ways Reading Benefits Your Child's Brain.
https://humanresources.uchicago.edu/benefits/2020%20Benefits%20Guidebook_%202020.pdf
Yale Child Study Center. (2023, February 21). Reading: A Building Block for Social-Emotional Learning.
https://medicine.yale.edu/childstudy/services/community-and-schools-programs/center-for-emotional-
intelligence/research/sel-assessments/
Zero to Three. (2020, February 12). The Power of Play: How Playing Helps Your Baby Grow.
https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/power-of-play-building-skills-and-having-fun/