My name is Jennifer Vejar, and I am both a mother and a reading interventionist. As a reading interventionist, I know that the single most important thing that parents can do to help their child become literate, is to routinely read to them. Reading to your child has a plethora of benefits: it helps children develop a love for books, it develops their listening comprehension and critical thinking skills, it builds their vocabulary and models reading fluency for them, and so much more. It has often been said that children spell love TIME, and there is no better way to spend time with your child than reading them a great story.
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6)
In a world filled with rapid technological advancements and constant distractions, nurturing character in children has never been more important. While schools teach academics and parents instill values at home, literature holds a unique power to shape a child’s moral compass, empathy, and resilience. Stories open doors to new worlds, introduce complex situations, and help young readers walk in someone else’s shoes. But how exactly does literature build character?
The Power of Storytelling
From ancient myths to modern novels, storytelling has always been a tool for transmitting values across generations. Through characters’ triumphs and struggles, children learn about honesty, kindness, courage, and perseverance. Unlike lectures or direct instructions, stories invite children to discover these virtues for themselves.
When a child reads about Charlotte’s selfless kindness in Charlotte’s Web or Atticus Finch’s unwavering sense of justice in To Kill a Mockingbird, they are not just entertained—they are inspired. They begin to ask themselves, “What would I do in this situation?” and “What kind of person do I want to be?”
Building Empathy and Understanding
Literature allows children to engage with perspectives they’ve never encountered before. Books featuring diverse characters and experiences cultivate empathy, helping children understand struggles they may never personally face. Whether reading about someone’s rigorous journey, a child with a disability, or someone confronting bullying, literature broadens a child’s worldview and fosters compassion.
Developing Critical Thinking and Moral Reasoning
Well-crafted stories rarely present clear-cut answers. Instead, they pose moral dilemmas and ambiguous situations that challenge readers to think critically. Discussing these moments with children—whether in the classroom or at bedtime—encourages them to weigh choices, consider consequences, and form their own values.
For example, when Edward Tulane chooses real, heart-felt connection over self-absorption, or when Jonas in The Giver questions his society’s version of perfection, young readers are prompted to reflect on what truly matters in life.
Encouraging Self-Reflection and Growth
Children often see themselves in literary characters. This mirror effect helps them process their own feelings, struggles, and choices. By identifying with characters who grow through adversity, children learn that making mistakes is part of becoming a better person. Literature normalizes challenges and models resilience.
In conclusion, Literature is more than an academic subject—it is a journey into what it means to be human. By thoughtfully selecting and discussing books with children, we plant seeds of empathy, courage, and integrity. In doing so, we don’t simply raise a child, we develop a character!
