Those are my
favorite words! I love to hear my daughter or son say, "Read to me
Daddy!" We then either pick up a book we have already started, or
simply begin a new one.
It wasn't always this way. My son was not a natural, "I want to be
read to" type of kid. It took a lot of coaxing to interest him in
picking up a book and asking Mom or Dad to read to him. We got through
this phase by scouting out books that matched his interest in
firefighters, big machines and fast cars. Then we settled into a
routine at a specific time of day when we would pick up a book and read
out load.
Here's some of the many benefits children gain from being read aloud to:
(1) It helps kids learn language development.
(2) Reading to our kids helps them become little readers themselves which improves academic success.
(3) Reading to a child improves his / her listening comprehension
skills, especially when questions are raised by the parent to the child
during the reading session regarding the comprehension of subject
matter. This more fully engages the child and helps extend their
attention span.
(4) Reading improves vocabulary which is one of the most important
benefits. Having additional words in the child's arsenal gives them
confidence to express themselves when verbally communicating with
others in varying situations and occasions, thereby helping to boost
their self confidence.
(5) Curiosity. Curiosity. This is the most exciting because your
child will want to learn more about the topic you are reading about,
especially if it's on a topic they find intriguing.
There are so many additional benefits; many more than I have room
for in this blog. Plus there are organizations dedicated to getting the
word out about reading to your children. Try Reading to Your Kids, also
try Parents and Teachers for some fun insights and tips. Fun personalized stationery offers many themed bookplates to place on your child's first
texts to record your reading event. This helps the child look at the book plate labels and remember that special moment of being read to.
The next time I hear "Read to Me" by one of my children, I'll know just what I will do!
