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Books for children remind adults to never stop learning

University Relations
News Bureau (662) 325-3442
Contact: Jennifer Rousey
June 16, 2003

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Reading children’s books can do more than take adults on a trip down memory lane. In addition to revisiting their childhoods, books can provide valuable lessons that apply to adult lives.

“As a grown-up, I learn so much when I read books for children,” said Nancy Verhoek-Miller, curriculum and instruction professor at Mississippi State University. “Children’s books enrich the understanding or study of many areas, and one can learn much from the pictures, as well as the text.”

Verhoek-Miller recommends selecting books reflecting personal interests. Biographies and non-fiction selections, among others, teach particularly pertinent lessons because “there’s so much detail in an accessible format,” she adds.

Picture books also serve as important learning tools. “Everyone loves pictures,” Verhoek-Miller says confidently. “Information stays with you when you have pictures to reinforce the words.”

Illustrations also remind people of the importance of careful observation, “Children notice things in pictures that adults miss,” she says. “Sharing a book with a child reminds us to take the time to observe.”

Other lessons that Verhoek-Miller attributes to children’s books include:

--Strengthening comprehension of a topic.

--Connecting the relevancy of past to present.

--Reinforcing a love of learning.

--Cultivating an appreciation of literature.

--Opening interpersonal communication channels through discussions of the stories.