Experts, highlighting that over 80% of brain development occurs in the first 3 years of life, emphasize the importance of increasing access to quality preschool education for children under 5 and improving school enrollment rates for all children. Dr. Demet Gülaldı from the Child Development Department emphasizes that introducing children to books at an early age is crucial for school success and early literacy skills. Gülaldı states that even holding a book in infancy is preparation for school, defining infancy as a critical period for acquiring knowledge and skills.
Assistant Professor Dr. Demet Gülaldı from Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences, Child Development Department, provided information on reading habits and book selection in children.
80% of Brain Development Occurs in the First 3 Years…
Assistant Professor Dr. Demet Gülaldı stated that over 80% of brain development occurs in the first 3 years of life, and experiences during this period significantly impact brain development. She emphasized that one of the best ways for parents and caregivers to support children's development during these valuable years is to read books together.
Even Holding a Book in Infancy Prepares for School…
Assistant Professor Dr. Demet Gülaldı stated that reading and getting acquainted with books offer language-rich experiences to children from infancy. “Engaging in language-rich interactions helps children develop communication skills and positive social relationships, fosters parent-child communication, academic success, and supports early literacy. All these skills are critical for success in school and life. Even the simple act of holding a book supports school readiness from infancy.”
They also acquire skills in understanding and expressing emotions
Assistant Professor Dr. Demet Gülaldı explained that among the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals published by the United Nations are ensuring access to quality preschool education for children under 5 and increasing school enrollment rates for all children, and continued:
“For this purpose, introducing children to books at an early age is recommended for their school success and early literacy skills. Early literacy is defined as a developmental process that begins in infancy, where knowledge and skills related to literacy are acquired. Children who get acquainted with books early on acquire skills such as pretend reading, understanding print direction, grammar and phonological awareness, listening to, understanding, and retelling stories, empathizing, understanding emotions, and expressing emotions.”
Books should be chosen appropriately for the child
Assistant Professor Dr. Demet Gülaldı recommended that parents read books with their children, also stating that care should be taken to select books that are appropriate for the child's developmental level and will capture the child's interest.
Assistant Professor Dr. Demet Gülaldı noted that books not suitable for their developmental level would not attract children's interest, and reading a book expected to be fun and educational could turn into a boring situation. She also added:
“Today, children's books are available in a wide range, starting almost from infancy, with various contents such as stories, poems, fairy tales, puzzles, exercises; in various physical forms like thick cardboard, plastic, fabric, richly illustrated, movable; and books focusing on behavior and emotions, being educational, entertaining, and creative.”
How should book selection be made according to age?
Assistant Professor Dr. Demet Gülaldı also listed how book selection should be made according to age as follows:
“From infancy, children can be introduced to books by showing them picture cards within their field of vision. The pictures should be simple, not complex. Vibrant and contrasting colors attract a baby’s interest. Babies and children between 6 and 18 months, being busy exploring their environment during this period, view books as toys and exhibit exploratory behaviors by throwing them on the floor, hitting them, and putting them in their mouths. Therefore, small-sized books made of thick cardboard or fabrics with different textures are recommended for babies. Instead of audiobooks, story-reading, or singing books, it is recommended to read books with songs and rhymes, with the adult using facial expressions and different voice tones. After 24-36 months, children begin to acquire skills such as recognizing, pointing to, and interpreting pictures in books. During this period, larger, richly illustrated storybooks become quite engaging.”
Overdoing it can cause the child to miss out on other learning opportunities
Assistant Professor Dr. Demet Gülaldı emphasized that in later years, when selecting books tailored to children's interests and skills, attention should be paid to ensure the content is compatible with the child's world, aligned with cultural, universal, and moral values, and features clear, rich language structure and proper expressions.
Assistant Professor Dr. Demet Gülaldı, also noting that knowing the child's interests is important in book selection, said, “Allowing the child to participate in the book selection process gives them more ownership over their interests and preferences. Going book shopping together can help your child be involved in choosing books.”
Assistant Professor Dr. Demet Gülaldı stated that going overboard and pressuring children with reading can lead to some negative situations, “Although reading is an extremely beneficial habit for children's language development, thinking skills, imagination, and general knowledge, it needs to be balanced with other activities. Otherwise, constant reading can cause the child to miss out on social interactions, physical activities, or other learning opportunities,” she concluded.