Why is it important for a child not only to read but also work with a text?

When children read, they usually grasp the main story or idea of what they’re reading. But there’s a whole world of understanding waiting for them if they dive deeper into the text. It’s like when you watch a movie and then talk about it with friends—you start noticing details you missed and understand the story even better.

So, when kids talk about what they’ve read, summarize it in their own words, or think about it deeply, it’s like they’re exploring the nooks and crannies of that story or information. This active involvement helps them understand things better, think more critically, and remember important details.

Imagine their brains are like muscles. When they engage with a text, it’s like giving their brains a workout. They’re not just reading passively; they’re working hard to understand, analyze, and make sense of what they’re reading.

And this workout has amazing benefits! When they talk about what they’ve read or write about it, they’re not just repeating information; they’re actually processing it. This helps them remember things better, learn new words, and become better at expressing themselves through writing.

But it’s not just about getting better at understanding and remembering stuff. When kids discuss a text or think deeply about it, they’re also developing their own ideas and opinions. It’s like they’re saying, “Hey, this is what I think about this story or topic!”

And here’s the really cool part: by engaging with a text actively, they’re uncovering hidden layers. It’s like finding secret compartments in a treasure chest. There’s more to the story or information than what’s just on the surface. They might discover deeper meanings, understand the characters better, or even see connections to things outside the text.

So, by working with a text instead of just reading it, kids are not only understanding and remembering better, but they’re also becoming smarter thinkers, better communicators, and discovering the richness that lies within the pages of what they read.

Ms. Eva Gogova