I’ve always found a delightful connection between food and reading. My love for both often leads me to indulge in a good book while enjoying a meal—whether it’s balancing a novel atop the napkin holder at a diner, flipping through pages while twirling spaghetti, or even cradling a bowl of ice cream while lounging on the couch. Inspired by various stories, I’ve also attempted to recreate some of the dishes featured in children’s books with my kids, such as the hard-boiled eggs from Frances and Her Jam which ultimately liberated us from the endless cycle of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches at lunchtime.
Interestingly, it seems that meals and reading are connected in even more profound ways. Psychologist Mia Thompson suggests that children who frequently share family dinners have distinct advantages in early reading skills and literacy compared to those who don’t. She references studies indicating that discussions at the dinner table can enhance children’s vocabulary significantly—more so than reading alone.
Why is this the case? Well, the language found in children’s storybooks typically features a limited range of vocabulary. In contrast, casual conversation introduces a broader array of words and phrases. Thompson notes, “Rare words, those that fall outside the 3,000 most common, are found ten times more frequently in dinner dialogues than in storybooks.” When parents share anecdotes or recount daily events at the table, they naturally incorporate language that may challenge young listeners but can be grasped through context. Children with rich vocabularies, filled with less common and more complex words, find it easier to decode written language as they progress in their reading journey.
Moreover, kids don’t just benefit from listening; they gain significantly when they narrate their own stories. Including them in discussions allows them to apply what they hear. Research shows that kindergartners who tell stories tend to excel in reading later on, even as they approach seventh grade.
As the parent of a very talkative 5-year-old, I can vouch for the joy of storytelling—his tales, even if they often veer into nonsensical territory, are a testament to his growing imagination. Recently, he excitedly elaborated on a “motion potion” that requires the right ingredients for flight, even engaging me in debates over whether water or juice would work better. His storytelling prowess is clearly being honed, even if his audience occasionally wanders off into more coherent thoughts.
Parents can actively foster their children’s storytelling abilities and enhance their communication skills, according to Thompson’s insights. Here are a few strategies:
- Remind them of shared experiences and discuss them, like “Do you remember our boat ride to see Grandma?”
- Ask open-ended questions that prompt deeper thinking—how and why!
- Encourage them to elaborate on their stories, and repeat back what they’ve shared to affirm their contributions.
- Allow them to guide the conversation rather than imposing your own topics.
It’s clear that mealtime conversations can significantly enrich a child’s vocabulary, inspire them to narrate their experiences, and strengthen the link between spoken and written language. Thompson’s findings are thought-provoking, and I plan to introduce these ideas during our next dinner.
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Summary
Engaging in family dinners can significantly enhance children’s vocabulary and literacy skills, as supported by psychological research. Regular conversations introduce rare and complex words that storybooks often lack. Encouraging children to share their stories and experiences can further support their reading development.