Detective books are stories with a riddle to solve or a mystery to uncover. They require focus, logical thinking, and the ability to deduce and associate uncovered facts with each other. It would seem that detective books are aimed at adults and older children butthat could not be further from the truth!
Little Detective
Even a preschooler can tackle a detective story when it is adapted accordingly to the abilities of a small child. Besides, small children are born detectives. They are great observers who constantly record what they see in their little heads, especially the behavior of their parents. They’re masters at it. They will immediately know when to use the phrase “bloody hell” after they heard Dad mutter it as he poured hot coffee on himself last month. They slam the cupboard impetuously just as Mom didafter she finished mopping the kitchen floor only tofind another stain (this time it was coffee). They constantly keep observing and checking things out.
They check whether butterflies can swim, test if it is possible to swing like Tarzan on a washing line, examine if one can eat soup from a plate like a dog (without using their hands), or if it is feasible to make a trampoline out of a sofa and pillows. Just like detectives, small children constantly ask a lot of questions, seek answers to what they do not understand, and discover secrets yet uncovered by them. They have a great desire to learn about the world around them and they are super happy to share their findings with others, especially with their Moms and Dads.
Discovering Closeness
In the process of discovery, they need the closeness of their parents so that they can properly understand the clues and leads they have found. They will then put them in context according to their own beliefs and experiences. They will be discovering themselves in the surrounding world. They will get their value system in order and build up a sense of empowerment and self-acceptance.
The deduction, logical thinking, constant search for answers, and the acquisition of knowledge should accompany them throughout their lives. These are habits they should acquire at home and school. Thanks to these, it will be easier for them to become independent and self-reliant adults.
During this learning and discovery process, the most important thing is to have a parent who will not judge, belittle, or even ridicule the fact that the child is discovering something obvious for an adult. They need a parent who is understanding, empathetic, and supportive at every stage of life.
So keep rediscovering the world together with your kid, ideally through their eyes.
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