“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”
― Anatole France

 

A child’s physical, social, emotional and cognitive development is often accelerated by daily interactions with a pet. Getting your child a pet helps their mind grow through social and emotional bonds.

child a pet

All this cognitive growth increases literacy. Here’s how:

  1. Encourages Non-Fiction Reading

Getting your child a pet increases their desire to read about animals and proper care for their pet.

  1. Motivation to Read

When your child is caring for a pet, it increases their interest in reading books about that type of animal. They seek out books on rabbits, hamsters, etc. which leads to excitement and a purpose to read.

When you get your child a pet, it also gives them a buddy to read to. 🙂

child a pet

If you aren’t able to get your child a pet, maybe you can find programs like this in your area:

The Animal Rescue League of Berks County, P.A., has a program called “Book Buddies” where children volunteer to read to sheltered cats.

Children reading storybooks to dogs—what could be cuter? Check out library dogs to learn more about this program.

  1. Increased Vocabulary

    Any new experience in life leads to learning new vocabulary. Getting your child a pet expands their vocabulary as they learn terminology about how to care for their pet.

  2. Responsibility Increases Focus

By caring for the pet, your child becomes responsible and focused. This increases confidence. These are all important skills needed to increase literacy.

child a pet

  1. Develops Empathy

Good readers have empathy. When your child has a pet, they learn how to care for the pet and meet its needs which develops empathy. Empathy helps your child comprehend how characters feel in stories which increases their reading comprehension.

child a pet

“Animals are such agreeable friends- they ask no questions; they pass no criticisms.” George Eliot

child a pet

What are the best pets for a child? Check out Healthline and Parents Magazine to get some guidance.

What age should I get my child a pet? This article has some great tips to answer that question.

Getting your child a pet increases literacy by developing empathy, expanding vocabulary, creating a purpose to read, and motivating your child to read to their pet (their new friend). These are just a few of the amazing benefits of getting your child a pet. Additionally, studies suggest that your child’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development increase by owning a pet. Who wouldn’t want that?

Do you have pets? Do you see these benefits?

Let’s make a positive difference~ one word at a time.

♥Pamela

Please share this article with others that you think would benefit from these tips. Also, please ask any questions that you may have about teaching children reading or writing. Leave your questions in the comments. I’ll answer.

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Photo Credit: 1. parents.com, flickr.com, reddit   2. reddit  3.  reddit  4.  flickr.com  5.  flickr.com  6. flickr.com