As parents, we all want the best for our children. We are told the things we should do—make sure they choose a healthy diet, make sure they get enough exercise, give them encouraging words, read to them. “Reading is a foundational skill that plays an important role in every single thing a person does,” says Bradley Debrick, early literacy coordinating librarian for the Johnson County Library. “Reading is just as important to understanding the directions on a first grade worksheet as it is to preparing an executive resume portfolio.”
Here are five great reasons to read aloud to your child:
- It helps children equate books and reading with love. “If I could send each newborn home from the hospital with a library card and a board book, I would!” says Debrick. “Reading with babies is a bonding experience for parent and child.”
- Watching a child light up during a story is a magic moment. “I love reading to my son!” says Allison Smith, Shawnee mom. “I see his face during the story and I know those smiles are ones I will remember forever.”
- It helps children develop literacy skills. “The more adults read aloud, the larger children’s vocabularies become and the better they are prepared for school,” says Wendy Webb, coordinator for Parents as Teachers. “Reading aloud also introduces the language of books, which is different from daily conversations, using more formal grammar and descriptive phrases.”
- It helps children see the world as a much broader place when they hear stories about new experiences and new places. “Narratives help children learn to empathize with others and develop a view of the world beyond their own experience,” says Debrick.
- It is a great way for parents to slow down and relax. “Reading with my kids is my down-time,” says Rebecca Grey, Overland Park mom. “We all just slow down and enjoy the story. I look forward to it every night.”
While many parents know the benefits of reading to their children, the busy family schedule often gets in the way. “The biggest roadblock, by far, is time,” says Debrick. “Everyone is busy these days, but parents are especially strained with their own schedules plus those of their children. Understandably, taking time to enjoy a book gets pushed aside. For years now, librarians and researchers have recommended 15-20 minutes of reading per day for young children. I like to emphasize that those minutes don’t all have to occur in one sitting. It’s perfectly acceptable to squeeze in five minutes of reading after breakfast, five minutes before a nap and 10 minutes while waiting for an older sibling to finish a music lesson. All of that time counts!”
Many parents also wonder whether the benefits of reading continue as their child grows. “Reading aloud to young children presents books as sources of pleasant, valuable and exciting experiences,” says Webb. “It helps children to develop their imaginations and explore ideas. Children who value books are motivated to read on their own as they mature.”
Tips for Engaging Your Child in Reading:
- For young children, make reading a special time of the day. Be cozy and comfortable; make it part of your routine that you spend together.
- For children reading chapter books, find stories with characters and subjects to which your child relates. Consider informational (nonfiction) books, too. Many kids enjoy reading about “real” things and are engaged with true life stories and facts.
- De-emphasize required reading, reading goals, reports and tests, especially during the summer.
- Read the same book with your child at the same time. The library will let you check out two copies!
- Let your child see you reading for pleasure. Even by reading a magazine or a newspaper, your actions demonstrate the value you place on reading. Source: Bradley Debrick
Melissa Bellach is a freelance writer and mother of two living in Overland Park.