03 May How Reading Aids in Cognitive, Social, & Emotional Development

Reading is an essential part of early education, and it can help children develop in many ways. In Montessori teaching especially, reading plays a pivotal role in our day-to-day work. It helps children develop their cognitive skills–the ability to think critically, solve problems, make decisions, and plan ahead–and helps them develop crucial social skills like empathy and cooperation with others. Interested in learning more about the benefits of reading and our 2023 reading list? Read on!

If you are in the Sugar Land, TX area, and are looking for a Montessori School for your child, contact Sugar Mill Montessori today!

Montessori Education and Reading

Montessori education is an approach to learning that emphasizes independence, freedom, and self-directedness. It’s based on the idea that children learn best when they’re allowed to explore their environment and make sense of it for themselves.

Reading fits into this philosophy because it helps children develop their critical thinking skills by encouraging them to question what they read (and how) as well as think about how things work in the world around them. Reading also encourages curiosity about other cultures and ways of life–something that’s especially important when you consider how interconnected we all are as global citizens today!

Reading as a Tool for Language Development

Reading helps children develop vocabulary and grammar, as well as their understanding of what words mean. Reading also teaches children how to use language in different ways, such as telling stories or asking questions.

• Reading activities that promote language development include:
• Reading aloud with your child every day
• Talking about the pictures in books before reading them together; this will help your child gain a better understanding of what’s going on in the story

Reading as a Tool for Cognitive Development

Reading is a tool for cognitive development, which refers to the mental processes that help us learn new information and retain it. Reading helps children develop problem-solving skills and makes them more creative thinkers. It also improves their ability to think critically, solve problems, make decisions, and pay attention. It’s essential that reading-centered activities be used at home as well as in the school setting to promote cognitive development.

Reading as a Tool for Social and Emotional Development

Reading is an excellent tool for social and emotional development. It helps children develop the following skills:

• Self-regulation
• Empathy
• Self-awareness

Children who are able to regulate their emotions are better able to regulate their actions, which leads to better relationships with others. Reading also allows children to see themselves in the characters’ experiences, which helps them develop empathy for others’ feelings and perspectives. Finally, it allows readers to explore different points of view through books that feature diverse characters or settings–this can help kids understand how and why people think, feel, and act in their own ways.

Sugar Mill’s Reading List:

• Little People Big Dreams: Maria Montessori
• Pete the Cat: I love my white shoes (others in the series too)
• How Full Is Your Bucket
• The Way I Feel
• The Very Hungry Caterpillar
• There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Frog
• Llama Llama Red Pajama
• How Do Dinosaurs Stay Safe
• A Kiss Means I Love You
• I Spy books
• All People Are Beautiful
• We’re Different, We’re the Same
• I Am Enough
• The Wonderful Things You Will Be

Reading is at the Heart of Montessori Values

Reading is a powerful tool for cognitive, social, and emotional development, which is why it is such a cornerstone of what we teach at Sugar Mill Montessori. It allows us to learn about the world around us and gain an understanding of our place in it. Reading also helps us develop empathy for others by exploring new perspectives. Take advantage of our reading list to incorporate Montessori-friendly books at home!

Think a Montessori learning environment would be a great fit for your child? Schedule a tour at Sugar Mill Montessori in Sugar Land, TX, today!