We all know reading to our kids is a
good thing, but are you familiar with the specific advantages your child can
receive by being exposed to reading?
Below are some benefits that highlight the importance of reading to your
child.
1. A stronger relationship with the parent. Snuggling up with a book lets both you and
your child slowdown from your busy lives and recapture some un interrupted time
together, parent and child. Instead of being seen as a chore or a task, reading
will become a nurturing activity that will bring you closer together.
2. Academic excellence. One of the primary
benefits of reading to children is a higher aptitude for learning in general.
Numerous studies have shown that students who are exposed to reading before
preschool are more likely to do well in all facets ofl education. After all, if
a student struggles to put together words and sentences, how can he be expected
to grasp the math, science, and social concepts he’ll be presented with when he
begins elementary school?
3. Basic speech skills. Throughout early
childhood and preschool, your child is learning critical language skills. By
listening to you read, your child is reinforcing the basic sounds that form
language.
4. The basics of how to read a book.
Children aren’t born with an innate knowledge that text is read from left to
right, or that the words on a page are separate from the images. Essential
pre-reading skills like these are among the major benefits of early reading.
5. Better communication skills. When you
spend time reading to children, they’ll be much more likely to express
themselves and relate to others in a healthy way. By witnessing the
interactions between the characters in the books you read, as well as the
contact with you during story time, your child is gaining valuable
communication skills and social skills.
6. Mastery of language. Early reading for
toddlers has been linked to a better grasp of the fundamentals of language as
they approach school age.
7. More logical thinking skills. Another
illustration of the importance of reading to children is their ability to grasp
abstract concepts, apply logic in various scenarios, recognize cause and
effect, and utilize good judgment. As your child begins to relate the scenarios
in books to what’s happening in his own world, he’ll become more excited about
the stories you share.
8. Adjusting to new experiences. As your
child approaches a major developmental milestone or a potentially stressful
experience, sharing a relevant story is a great way to help ease the
transition. For instance, if your little one is nervous about starting school,
reading a story dealing with this topic shows her that her anxiety is normal.
9. Enhanced concentration and discipline.
Toddlers may initially squirm and become distracted during story time, but
eventually they’ll learn to stay put for the duration of the book. Along with
reading comprehension comes a stronger self-discipline, longer attention span,
and better memory retention, all of which will serve your child well in school.
10. Reading is fun! Reading to children helps them view books as
something to enjoy, not a chore. Kids who are exposed to reading are much more
likely to choose books over video games, television, and other forms of
entertainment as they grow older.
Books have the power to benefit
children in a myriad of ways. As a parent, reading to your child is one of the
most important things you can do to prepare him with a foundation for academic
excellence.
