With the distractions caused by screen time and gadgets, the more difficult it becomes for our children to focus. Thus, as parents, we have the opportunity to rekindle their love for reading. While technology is proven to make our lives easier and more accessible, it also has drawbacks that can impact our values and social behaviors in various ways.
Our goal is to raise happy, healthy, and smart children who have soft or human skills that can help them to be future ready. Kids who will become adults who embrace diversity, and remain resilient amid identity crises, gender biases, and wars. By developing a habit of reading, we can help our kids to have a solid foundation of emotional stability that will aid them in adulthood.
Why we should immerse our kids in good books
The first Filipino child psychologist, Ma. Lourdes "Honey" Carandang, PhD, RPsy, once said that a significant adult should use their power to build child’s self-esteem, and language is one of the most effective tools to do just that. In the 2002 book "Essentials of Children’s Literature" by Carol M. Lynch-Brown, she shared reasons why we should immerse our kids in good books.
1. Imagination and inspiration
Exposure to stories sparks the imagination, which can help children overcome their struggles, accept a variety of perspectives, and set personal goals.
2. Vicarious experiences
Through stories, children can experience adventures that allow them to travel the world and take them to far and foreign places.
3. Understanding and empathy
Stories enable children to relate “on a more personal level with the events and people of history.” They will understand the complexities of human connections.
4. Heritage and art appreciation
Books serve as repositories of cultures, traditions, and art forms that allow them to discover who they are and how the world they live in works.
5. Moral reasoning
By analyzing characters’ choices, children learn to think logically. This could help them understand and manage when faced with the same situations in the real world.
6. Language development and comprehension
Reading enhances vocabulary, allowing them to express their thoughts more articulately. It also helps them become better learners in different subjects.
Best children's books for kids according to age
Ages 0-3
Most babies between this age will enjoy tactile books with flaps, mirrors, textures, or sounds that will help them recall simple words with pictures. Children this age love to touch, feel, and explore with their eyes and mouth.
1. See, Touch, Feel: A First Sensory Board Book (Php 727)
.jpg)
Every page showcases vibrant picture exercises, encouraging babies to touch and discover. Babies will surely love this 16-page book that will stimulate their curiosity.
2. Sampung Mga Daliri Board Book (Php 179)
Raise a bilingual child by immersing them in Filipino books at a young age. This book includes a folk song to teach them about their body parts. Readers can sing with its original tune.
3. Guess How Much I Love You Board Book (Php 284)
This is the age group when they are most clingy. Affirm the love language of words of affirmation by reading this book about belongingness. My children still love to cuddle with me as we engross ourselves with this book.
Ages 4-6
So much is happening during this time frame. It’s the time when children get to do things independently--tying their own shoes, cutting papers using scissors, and meeting new friends at school. As I write this article, my child is currently in this time frame, and she loves silly books, realistic or nonfiction stories, and rhyming words.
4.The Big Green Book of Beginner Books by Dr. Seuss (Php 951)
.jpg)
We bought this book for my child’s 5th birthday, and it's worth it as it already compiles six stories in one book, which are I Am Not Going to Get Up Today, Wacky Wednesday, Maybe You Should Fly a Jet! Maybe You should be a Vet!, Would You Rather Be a Bullfrog, I Wish That I Had Duck Feet, and Great Day for Up.
My daughter loves it that she wants to read these stories almost every night!
5. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle (Php 150)
Aside from this book about how a caterpillar turns into a butterfly, it can also be an implicit way to teach our children that like caterpillars, they, too, can change and be their own kind of butterfly. My daughters love this book as it also shows the silliness of a caterpillar and how it can be ravenous!
6. Tight Times Picture Book by Jeanette Patindol (Php 90)
Definitely, Filipino books should be part of every Pinoy kid's bookshelf. This book teaches about how we can survive during a crisis. Although this is a realistic book that can happen to every Filipino family, it's interesting that Adarna used images of a rat family, which makes it more appealing for children. My daughter remembers how to be grateful because of this book. In one family event, she said, "I'm grateful for what I have!" It's proof that books can teach long-lasting values.
Ages 6-8
Middle childhood is one of the crucial developmental years for our children. It is when they start to think about real friendships, future events, and other mental skills, including talking about thoughts and feelings. As a former literature teacher, I recommend these compelling books that will help our young readers explore their emotional intelligence.
7. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein (Php 159)
It tells the story of a selfless apple tree and a boy. Through the years, the tree gives everything to make the boy happy, even as he grows older and his needs change. This heartwarming and sad tale explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the enduring bond between nature and humanity.
8.The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery (Php 135)
This short novel is about a young prince who travels from planet to planet, meeting various types of people, such as a king, a vain man, a drunkard, a businessman, and others. He also met a rose on his home planet, where he learned about the essence of love and the complexities that come with it. Through these encounters, he learns life lessons about friendships and human nature.
9. Roald Dahl’s Classics (Php 250 - 1253)
Roald Dahl’s stories are creative, funny, and engaging for young readers. Even adults like the movie adaptations of these novellas. Personally, there is a massive difference between reading the book and watching the movie. Young readers ignite with many imaginative thoughts, which can help them be more engaged and curious about the world around them. You can start exploring Roald Dahl's works with the famous story of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory!
Buy 1 book on Lazada or Buy a set of 20 books here
If there is one gift we can give to our children that will never be wasted, it is the values that we can instill in them while they’re young. We can protect our children by showing them that empathy and resilience are values that can help them withstand life’s challenges. Reading these good books can help achieve it.
What other parents are reading
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod
