Child's Play
Occupational Therapy Services
For Children
Monthly Topic-Spring 2001
"The Value of Books for Motor Skill Development"
Introduction:
Books. Books. Books. Children are now "reading" earlier than ever. We are now instructed by childcare professionals to expose even our tiniest newborn babies to the benefits of visually stimulating books. What most people don't realize is how books can promote the acquisition of motor skills. Reading places obvious demands on the eyes and various visual skills. Adequate visual skills are essential for visual motor coordination, otherwise know as eye-hand coordination. Books, when used properly, provide a wonderful opportunity for the eyes and body to work cooperatively together.
What Type of Books are Best for My Child?:
The best books for newborn and young babies offer stiff, thick pages(board books) which are easiest to grasp and manipulate. These books should offer clear pictures that stand out against a plain background(a black shape on a white page for example). Avoid books that present more than one image or ones with cluttered background. These are confusing and over-stimulating to the eyes of a young child. Nursery rhymes are another good choice, as they offer rhythm and pattern which are both enticing to the senses and the young ear. The youngest child can see contrasting figures best. Black, white and red items are often easier for them to focus on.
The toddler is ready for slightly more of a visual challenge. You should still avoid books with too much clutter and too many images. However, this child can now be introduced to more than just pictures. You can add books with figures such as numbers and letters. Toddlers see most primary colors so look for books that offer bright images and large writing.
Older children can begin to process more visual information without becoming over-stimulated. More images can be tolerated at once on a page. Single letters become words and so on. Continue to provide a variety of books both having them read and reading to them.
What is the Best Way to Use Books With My Child?
In order to maximize the effectiveness of your "reading time" you should always do the following:
1. Place books at an incline or slight angle. This is the best position for material to be presented to the eyes. When the child is old enough, encourage the child to hold the book using two hands.
2. For the older child, have them attempt to turn the pages individually, separating the pages for them when necessary.
3. For the baby, "help" them point/gesture towards picture/images on the page by holding/guiding their hand/fingers with yours. Encourage the older child to point independently. "Help" these children isolate their index finger by folding down their other fingers and sometimes by gently holding their fingers shut.
4. Always provide ample and natural light to read by whenever possible. This is the optimal environment for the eyes to see. If this is not readily available use soft indoor lighting or even the slightly blush colored lighting available to help promote visual motor skills and prevent eye strain.
Conclusion:
Reading is an enriching activity that we should incorporate into every day of our child's life. It is an activity that requires little materials, no preparation and minutes to complete. Although books can be costly at times, local libraries provide a wealth of books free of charge to everyone by them just obtaining a library card. The icing on the cake is that not only are you stimulating the vast cognitive mind of your child, you can also simultaneously work on their motor skills with little added effort on your part. Add some books to your child's development, they are actually worth their weight in gold!
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