Reading to children has so many benefits! You will literally expand your child's horizons!
Reading to kids helps them develop pre-reading skills, build vocabulary, improve family ties and improve reading success and comprehension.
Children Learn to Read By Listening and Observing
Reading to your child helps him develop an awareness of the basics of reading. As you read to your children try the following ideas:
Point to the words with your finger. This helps them learn what words look like.
Move your finger left to right under the words. This helps them learn that we read left to right.
Let them turn the pages. This will reinforce the left to right concept.
Read alphabet books together. Emphasize the sounds the letters make.
Read books with rhymes. This helps develop the awareness that sounds make up words. Dr. Seuss Books are some great books to start with. They have lots of fun rhymes!
Reading to Kids Helps Build Vocabulary
Preschooler's with large vocabularies tend to become better readers. It makes sense that we can read well, if we understand and recognize more of the words we are reading.
By reading to your children, you expose them to a greater, richer vocabulary than anywhere else. Did you know that the typical children's book has a larger vocabulary than a prime-time TV show!
As you read stories together, point out words that your children may not know and explain the words to them – help them to build vocabulary skills.
If you don't know a word, you can use a dictionary together and teach your children another skill at the same time!!
Improve Reading Comprehension
As you read together, you can talk about what is happening in the story. Ask your child questions such as:
What just happened?
What do you think will happen next?
What is your favorite part of the story?
What would you do if you were in this story?
Reading and discussing the stories together helps them develop their ability to understand the story, and helps them pay attention to important details. Questions also help you see if your child is really understanding what she's reading.
When your child can read independently, it is still important to read together. It continues to improve his reading comprehension and vocabulary.
You can also take turns reading the words in the book. This is sometimes called shared reading. It helps your child tackle harder books without becoming overwhelmed.
Promote Healthy Family Relationships
It's fun to read together! Spending time together reading helps to strengthen family bonds.
Make your reading time enjoyable! Have fun with different voices, and sound effects. Take your time as you read, and let your children enjoy the pictures. Explore questions that older children raise while reading a book with you.
Now that you know all the great benefits and the importance of reading to children, go enjoy a good book with a child!! Both you and your children will enjoy the time together, and you will treasure the memories for a lifetime!
If you would like even more information on the benefits and how-tos of reading with your children, The Read-Aloud Handbook is a great resource.
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