READING TO YOUR CHILD
Reading to your child benefits both you and your child. We all lead busy lives and finding time to carve out one more activity may seem impossible. However, I promise you the benefits of reading to your child 15-30 minutes daily will bring short and long-term benefits for your child. I began reading to my daughter when she was an infant and continued until late 5th grade. It’s never too late to begin reading to your child. We both fondly remember those special moments spent enjoying a good book together.
What are the benefits of reading aloud to your child? Reading aloud
- develops your child’s vocabulary. Having a strong, rich vocabulary helps your child succeed in reading at school.
- builds connections between the spoken and written word. This helps them recognize the difference between the arrangement of spoken language and printed text.
- provides enjoyment. Children generally enjoy being read to, which encourages them to see and experience reading as something fun and positive. These experiences will likely spark a lifelong love of reading.
- increases attention span. Reading or being read to promotes a slower unfolding of events and ideas. As children listen to a story, they must pay attention and concentrate which, over time, can increase their overall attention span.
- strengthens cognition. As your child is exposed to sophisticated knowledge and vocabulary, it can strengthen their thinking skills.
- provides a safe way of exploring strong emotions. Reading how characters explore and deal with feelings and emotions can help children understand their own emotions and feelings and how others feel.
- promotes bonding. The quality time spent together promotes bonding and strengthens relationships. This may make it easier for children to develop social communication and interpersonal skills.
- improves bedtime routines. Settling into bed with a good book, your parent, and your favorite snuggly stuffed animal can set the stage for a peaceful, relaxing bedtime routine. Your child may look forward to going to bed especially if you have them hooked on a good book!
When choosing a book for your child, I encourage you to include them in the process. I suggest having two or three books to select from. I began reading my daughter the classics and Newberry Award winners as soon as she began school. Even though these books were far above her reading level, they were not above her thinking level, which inspired great questions and conversations. Some of my daughter’s favorite read-aloud books include: The Secret Garden (not an easy read-aloud, but worth it!), Tales of Despereaux, Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, Wonder, and Little House in the Big Woods. Happy Reading!