We all know reading to our child is a good thing, but do you know the advantages your child is receiving by being exposed to reading? Below are some the benefits of reading to your child at the earliest stages of his life.
- A stronger relationship with you. Snuggling up with a book lets the two of you slow down and bond. Instead of being seen as a chore or a task, reading will become an anticipated activity that will bring the two of you closer together.
- Academic excellence. One of the primary benefits of reading to your child is a higher aptitude for learning in general. Studies have shown that students who are exposed to reading before preschool are more likely to do well in all facets of formal education.
- Basic speech skills. Throughout toddlerhood and preschool, your child is learning critical language and enunciation skills. By listening to you read, your child is reinforcing the basic sounds that form language. “Pretend reading”-when a toddler pages through a book with squeals and jabbers of delight-is a very important pre-literacy activity.
- The basics of how to read a book. Children need to be taught 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.
- Mastery of language. Early reading has been linked to a better grasp of the fundamentals of language as they approach school age.
- More logical thinking skills. Reading to a child improves their ability to grasp abstract concepts, apply logic in various scenarios, recognize cause and effect and utilize good judgment.
- Enhanced concentration and discipline. Toddlers squirm and become distracted during story time, but eventually they learn to stay put for the duration of the book. Along with reading comprehension comes self-discipline, longer attention span and better memory retention, all of which will ensure a good start in school.