Reading fairy tales has become a habit for parents to their children since ancient times. In the past, children spent hours at the local library reading books from the fairytale section, but children can read stories online in this digital era. There are various variants of known fairy tales, ranging from stories in wayang, regional stories, and fables to other imaginative stories.
Reading fairy tales has many benefits as it can improve children's cognitive and psychological skills. For parents and children who don't know the advantages of reading fairy tales, here is a list of the benefits.
Expand Children’s Imaginations
In fairytales, anything can happen, and children learn to think beyond anticipated boundaries. Learning about distant lands and different ways to solve issues can help children develop innovative ways of solving their problems.
Boost Children’s Cultural Literacy
Fairy tales are usually shared across cultures with slight variations; reading different versions of the same fairy tale helps kids understand other cultures. Fairy tales also can introduce unknown cultures and traditions to children.
Improve Focus
Listening to bedtime stories can psychologically build a comfortable environment. Fairy tales that are read and listened to can increase children's focus. All brain parts work when children read and listen to stories, meaning the cortex will work better.
Improves Vocabulary
children's understanding will improve when listening to and reading short stories. After reading a fairy tale, the child can retell it according to their knowledge. On the optimistic side, children can comprehend the complexity of language.
Teach Children About Decisions, Consequences, and Morals
Anime tales usually have a moral of the story. Stealing is wrong; the good will win, don’t walk home alone, don’t talk to strangers, etc. Children can learn that poor judgments can have adverse effects through such tales.
Make Reading Fun
Having fun reading is one of the first steps in developing a life-long passion for reading. When children read stories that they enjoy, they are more likely to enjoy reading and want to read.
Teach Children About Story Structure
Understanding how stories work is crucial to developing reading comprehension. Fairy tales follow a precise beginning (once upon a time…), middle (problem), and an end (and they lived cheerfully ever after). Understanding story structure allows children to learn how to tell a story and expands their thinking and learning skills. Considering your child’s age and mental enthusiasm when choosing fairy tales is essential.
Increase Empathy
In anime fairy tales, there is narration and interaction. Each character in a fairy tale has its identity and character. By reading fairy tales, children can understand others through specific depictions in the story. Fairy tales are also a medium to widen cultural insights, apart from understanding other people.
Absorb Positive Values
When what is told is a fairy tale containing the values of life, children will more readily absorb and implement these values in their future lives. For instance, a fable, Kancil and Keong, is told. The mouse deer has an arrogant nature because it can run fast to defeat the walking speed of the conch. Well, from the arrogance of the hare and the silent yet clever nature of the conch, children can sort out the values in it.