Why is Reading to my Child Important?
Many educators will tell you that from birth through third grade, children learn to read. From that point on, children read to learn. Young children absorb a variety of important information through reading, such as a broader vocabulary, social interactions and behaviors, creativity and imagination, and so much more. It is never too young to begin exposing children to the joy of reading. When parents read aloud to their young children, they help bring to life experiences that teach essential lessons at all age levels.
Five Benefits of Reading to Children
Create Parental Bonds
Taking a few minutes out of the day to snuggle up and read to a child has many lasting benefits. Children respond positively not just to the adventure they are hearing about but also to the extra individual attention. Even if you don’t follow the story exactly, reading to your child creates an irreplaceable emotional connection. All you have to do is hold them close, make silly noises or character voices and enjoy the moment together. Don’t forget to let them have a turn as the storyteller too!
Strengthen Cognitive Development Skills
Reading aloud to your child can significantly help their cognitive development. Cognitive development is thinking and understanding concepts and processes. Developing a regular reading habit helps children grasp abstract concepts, apply logic, recognize cause and effect, identify themes and use good judgment.
Improve Communication and Language Skills
Studies show reading aloud improves communication and active listening skills, as well as linguistic skills. Researchers have found that books (even picture books) are more likely to contain less common words than those used in our general parent-to-child conversations. Children who hear uncommon words are exposed to an expanded vocabulary that will aid them throughout their education.
Accelerate Childhood Lessons
Early childhood books can teach children a variety of topics and lessons. By reading books aloud, parents can reinforce these lessons by asking questions and having conversations. Twenty-six percent of children who were read to by a family member three or four times a week recognized all letters of the alphabet, compared with 14 percent of children who were read to less frequently, according to studies conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics.
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests five elements of reading aloud that carry over into academic success:
Be conversational.
Be positive and fun.
Reference the words you’re saying on the printed page.
Point to pictures and letters.
Read aloud often.
Social Situations and Problem Solving
Like adults, when children hear stories about characters who overcome certain obstacles, they learn how to face these challenges in their own lives. They also learn vocabulary that helps them communicate their feelings and needs. They learn to use words to describe feelings which often enables them to control their behavior during challenging times better.
Extra Tips for Reading with Your Child
Make reading with your child part of your daily routine.
When reading with your child, stop periodically to discuss the content of the text and pictures. This promotes reading comprehension.
After reading a story with your child, immediately engage them in retelling the story (with your support).
Accept and praise your child’s pretend reading.
Provide a wide variety of books.
Make a special place for books in your child’s room.
Give your child books as presents.
Obtain a library card for your child. For more information about the Tyler Public Library, go to www.tylerlibrary.com.
Because your child deserves the best quality early childhood education, be sure to enroll them in the best kindergarten. Visit www.tylerisd.org/kinder for more information.
