We all know what a classic story is – most of us grew up on them, loved, laughed, and cried with them.
After school, we would go down to the library and find that long list of classic books and stories that illuminated our imagination.
Since then, the book industry has expanded exponentially, and there are now hundreds of thousands of books for kids.
While this does mean that they get more choice, having that choice can sometimes be overwhelming, and they might not know where even to start.
Let’s talk about why it’s a good thing that your children read classic stories, and how they can help with their reading comprehension.
If Your Child is Struggling with Reading Comprehension
Is your child struggling with reading comprehension right now?
Perhaps you’ve had to homeschool them for a while because of the local mandated restrictions, and while you can’t wait for them to go back to school, you know that it might be a while.
You’re not a natural-born teacher, but you know that if they don’t continue to learn from home, their reading comprehension will drop.
If this is the case, there are plenty of resources that you can reach out to.
Some of the best reading comprehension apps can lead your child through the reading comprehension process so that it doesn’t seem as scary.
They can also take the weight off your shoulders a bit, too, and give you a practical tool to aid in your teaching.
Classics Can Teach Virtue
So, why should your child read some of the classics, then?
Well, the first reason is that they can teach them all about virtue.
One of the best things about curling up with a classic story and reading to your child is that they often come with hidden meanings and messages.
Most of them can teach subtly the importance of obedience, hard work, and respecting others.
They can also learn what happens when you disrespect others or steal from others, etc.
While you have the main protagonist, you’ve almost always got the antagonist as well who can offset the virtues and enlighten them on characteristics that they should try and avoid.
Classics Offer Helpful Cultural References
Another great thing about reading your children’s classic stories is that they often incorporate references, quotes, and themes that relate to a current or past culture.
They will almost always reflect a topical cultural movement of the time or reference a book from the past.
Sadly, very few newer books have been able to incorporate cultural references in the same way and have the same effect, which is why it’s so important to preserve the classics, and share them with your children.
When modern-day storytelling is done without those references, entire sections of past and present culture can disappear without a trace.
Classics Can Expand Their Understanding
Just like those cultural references can help your children learn a little bit of history while they read, classics can also help your children learn more about the world around them in general.
There are quite a few newer titles these days that use everyday language, as they attempt to relate to the modern child.
However, while this type of language is well within their comfort zone, it doesn’t challenge them to expand their intellectual ability and learn something new.
Reading classics to your children will help them reach a new level of expertise and understanding.
Sitting down and reading with your children is a pastime that very few can afford these days.
However, now that the pandemic has forced many children to stay at home from school and learn in a different environment, it’s becoming more prevalent.
Make sure to take this opportunity to introduce your children to classic stories, so that they can learn to love reading, and keep an open mind about what they might learn from it, too.