It’s common for parents to wonder why their child wants to read the same book over and over again. A mother might ask, “Can’t we read something else?” each time her son picks up his favorite book. While she may be eager to introduce new stories, he insists on sticking to the familiar one, sometimes even shedding tears to make his point.
This scenario is quite typical in early childhood development, often peaking before the age of four, with the highest frequency between the ages of two and four, according to experts.
Repetition is an essential part of cognitive development.
The first four years of a child’s life are crucial for the development of the auditory center (temporal lobe) and the visual center (occipital lobe) of the brain. This period is also what Montessori educators refer to as the “sensitive period for language.”
While newborns have the same number of neurons as adults, these neurons are not yet connected and functioning in the same way. The brain needs ample stimulation from the external world to form connections and create neural pathways that facilitate smooth communication.
During the early years, from birth to age four, the brain undergoes rapid development, particularly in the auditory and visual centers.
Children need abundant stimulation from their surroundings to forge these connections and create pathways that enable seamless information processing. Reading the same book repeatedly helps them make sense of the words and context, gradually grasping the entire story.
Listening allows the brain to record, replay, and ponder the words and context, fostering a deeper understanding of the narrative. Each reread offers an opportunity to discover something new, enriching the child’s experience.
What might seem like a mundane, repetitive activity to adults is, in fact, an exciting journey of exploration for young children. They often make new observations, such as noticing two ants on a leaf that appear to be fighting or pointing out differences between two dragonflies in an illustration. These moments spark their imagination, and they may even create their own stories based on the familiar illustrations and plots.
In essence, a book that has been read multiple times can still feel like a new adventure each time it is revisited.
This repetitive reading cycle not only quietly strengthens neural connections but also profoundly impacts the brain’s reward system, thinking processes, and memory systems, resulting in a passionate and inquisitive mind.
For young children, a familiar book can always feel like a new adventure.
The sense of control and comfort that repetition brings.
When faced with unfamiliar situations, it’s common to feel anxious, restless, and confused. These feelings can be even more pronounced in young children. When a child has only read a story a few times and understands only a fraction of it, it can feel like trying to swallow food without chewing it properly, leading to discomfort.
However, when they reread the same book, it’s like they are “chewing and digesting” the content slowly. With each reread, they recall more details and form deeper connections with the story. This process provides a sense of familiarity and predictability, which is essential for their developing minds.
Although children are naturally curious, they are still learning to manage their thoughts and emotions. When they revisit a familiar story, a sense of comfort emerges. They can predict which characters will appear next, what events will unfold on the following pages, or what dialogue the main character might have. This sense of control and familiarity helps soothe their souls and provides a sense of security as they navigate the unknown world around them.
Repetition brings a sense of control and comfort, soothing young souls.
The sense of safety and control that comes with this knowledge-seeking process makes rereading a comforting experience. Children will eagerly return to their favorite books, not only to understand the story better but also to enjoy the pleasure of “discovering” familiar elements.
Children’s brains have an innate ability to generalize, allowing them to identify similarities and synthesize principles from various stimuli. Whether they reread the same book or explore different books, they are building a robust reading framework. With each exposure, they develop a richer understanding of language, story structure, and valuable life lessons.
This repetition helps reinforce knowledge and fosters critical thinking skills. As they compare different stories, they start recognizing similar themes, characters, and situations, drawing valuable insights. This process enriches their understanding, encourages creativity, and stimulates their imagination.
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