Being the Only Child Nurtured My Imagination and Love of Books
Why imagination and reading are important to children.
I was the only child for 14 years. It was doing these years without a sibling that my imagination blossomed. Every day I would create games, characters, and stories for entertainment.
I did sometimes miss having a sibling, but my imagination was my best friend. It was doing those times I developed my love of the written word. I lived in my head, and I enjoyed every minute. When I was growing up, I read regularly, to explore different places and ideas.
A child needs to explore their creativity. Some of the most important ideas were developed by imaginative people. Imagination leads to discoveries that may cure a disease or devise the next scientific wonder.
My mom eventually took notice of my active imagination and enrolled me in a book club. I would wait anxiously for my books to arrive in the mail because I couldn’t wait to start my next adventure with a new cast of characters.
Every Fall a book fair came to my school. I was so excited to go into the library and spend the few dollars my parents gave me. As soon as I arrived home I would find a snack and sit in my room to read my new literary treasures.
My father bought me an entire set of encyclopedias before I entered middle school. I was an advanced reader so I devoured them. I would look up different countries and imagine going there and having fabulous adventures. Different careers became known to me because of my exposure to books and other reading materials. I read everything I could find.
It was my reading and growing imagination that led me to enter a writing contest when I was a kid. I didn’t win, but it opened me up to the beauty of writing and the realization that imagination was limitless.
It’s because of my love of reading, writing, and creativity that led me to have silent reading several days a week in my classes at the local juvenile detention center. If you want to be a better writer, you must read to understand the craft. There is no better catalyst for writing than reading.
At first, my kids were a little reluctant, but as time progressed kids began asking me when was the next silent reading day. There is one young man in particular who is absorbing books. He reads about a book a week. It’s lovely to see a child engrossed in a book.
The other day he told me books were an escape for him. It made me think about my childhood and how I escaped my reality with reading. He is locked up because he violated his probation. He did whatever he did for a reason, and I am sure his life isn’t perfect, but books offer him a view into different worlds and stir his imagination. He finds peace in books, and that is a win to this educator.
I encourage parents to entice their children’s imagination by taking them to the library or enrolling them in the Summer reading program. I took my children to the library every week for several years. I wanted to foster a love for reading and indulge their imaginations.
I thank my mom for allowing me to daydream while I sat in my room as a kid. I am thankful for the 14 years I was the only child. If I never had that experience, I may not be writing.
Now go and spark your child’s imagination and watch them blossom. Thanks for reading. Peace.
Estacious(Charles White) is a 23-year educator. He began writing over 25 years ago. His work experience encompasses managing schools and teaching a variety of subjects. His passions are poetry, short fiction, playwrighting, and non-fiction. He won one of six prizes in the Rockford play festival for his play “Incarcerated Christmas”. He is married with three children and a native of New Orleans.