The memories of snuggling up with my kids to read a book before bedtime still warms my heart. Now one of my favorite times is reading to my grandkids. The worries of the day fade away while we go on an adventure inside the pages of their favorite books. They point to the pictures, tell me what they’re thinking, and we giggle. It’s hard to believe that something so fun is also good for their education.
As a preschool teacher and family child care provider, I can always tell which children have been read to often. They are the ones that listen best, understand more, and have an easier time learning to read.
Reading to your Child = Success in School
Research backs up what I’ve personally observed. There is a direct link between a parent reading to a child every day and that child’s success in school.
The more words a child hears, the more words they will know and say. This helps them to understand more words and to read when they are older. Reading to your child also helps them learn the basics of reading. For example, children see that letters represent sounds, which make up words. These words are read from left to right and from the top of the page to the bottom. Children who are read to everyday have a big advantage over children who are not read to.
This helps toddlers be able to hear the difference in words that sound similar. I consider Goodnight Moon to be a must-own book for every young child.
Children should own some of their own books to look at over and over again when they want. A book can become as loved as a favorite toy, and children find that a favorite book can be comforting. I get great deals on children’s books at garage sales, second-hand stores, and used bookstores. Scholastic Reading Club has great values on new books that you can order through most preschools and elementary schools. The library is a wonderful resource too. Children enjoy visiting it as much as a field trip and they love to pick out books to borrow. There is often a scheduled reading time at the library, which children enjoy.
Look at the pictures, read to your child, snuggle, and giggle. You are helping to ensure your child’s future success. The benefits and the memories of reading to your children will last a lifetime.
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