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We all know that reading with our children is important, but do you know why?
As a former teacher, I genuinely believe that reading with our children is the best thing we can do for them - at all ages. In this blog post, I am covering why it is so important to read to our children. I will be sharing tips, tricks, ideas, resources and more information covering how to read to children, what to read to children, and when to read to children in future posts.
The Facts
I have written lists of why it is so important to read to children by age level below. It is beneficial to all ages of children and supports healthy development.
Baby
According to the NAEYC and KidsHealth.Org, babies get a number of benefits from having storytime with their adult:
Reading time is a time when babies are held and feel loved
An opportunity to bond
Learns new words and sounds
Learns listening, language, and communication skills
Imitate the languages and gestures the adult reading is using
Begins to learn that pictures and words have meaning
Builds vocabulary
Builds memory
Learns about the world
Introduced to concepts including numbers, letters, colors, and shapes
More likely to have more language quicker
More likely to have a larger vocabulary
Supports social and emotional development
Supports thinking skills
Toddler & Preschool
According to KidsHealth.org and PBS, you should read to toddlers and preschoolers because:
Sets the foundation for later independent reading
Less likely to develop reading problems
Increases vocabulary
Helps them understand that words are made up of smaller sounds
Helps them understand that marks on a page represent letters and words
Begin to learn the letter of the alphabet
Learn emotions and how to process them
They behave better because they have a better understanding of their feelings
Strengthens social, emotional, and character development
Linked to decreased levels of aggression, hyperactivity, and attention difficulties
Elementary Aged Children:
According to Reading Rockets and EmpoweredParents.co reading with elementary ages children provides a number of benefits including:
Increase vocabulary
Increase their understanding and motivate them to improve their skills by reading books above their reading level.
Sends an important message to your child that reading is a priority and is worthwhile
Helps with reading comprehension
Improved language patterns (grammar, tone, parts of speech, etc.)
Increases critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Encourages independent reading.
Improved reading skills also improve writing skills
Bonding time
Improved concentration and memory
Character Development
Improves listening, communication, and conversation skills
Increases empathy and imagination
Can be a stress reliever
Middle School-Aged Children:
According to Edutopia and Readtoachild.org middle sool aged children can get the following benefits from reading with their parents:
Improved comprehension
Reduced Stress
More exposure to a variety of reading materials
Help kids make connections between text and life or other books (or media)
Learn reading strategies used by adults
Learn that reading is a priority, worthwhile, and enjoyable
Expand their understanding by discussing unknown concepts
Increased motivation and interest
Bonding
There are so many benefits to reading with our children of all ages. I absolutely love to read and I hope to instill that love in my son as well. I have been reading to him since he was first born and in the NICU, but I know that the older he gets, the busier the schedule gets, and the more independent he is that it will likely become more difficult. I hope this list will encourage you to persist in the worthwhile endeavor of developing book lovers.
I will be sharing resources, tips, tricks, and more information about how to do this, books, to read, and more at the Persistent Mama Blog Reading Corner.
Remember Mama, you got this! You are doing a great job!
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