The Benefits Of Reading To Your Kids

Today, I’m sharing parenting advice on the benefits of reading to your kids.  First, to prepare your child for academic success it is recommended that we expose them to books.  Furthermore, studies have shown that reading is one of the keys to academic success.  My grandchildren love for me to read to them.  So, I’ve started a library for both.  I’m all for downloading books and apps, but I love seeing shelves full of books in the children’s rooms.

As a matter of fact, I read to my daughter when she was a child.  Her love for reading stayed with her.  As a result, as she got older she continued to read for hours.  To this day, one of my fondest memories was our book fair excursions. We would plan a day where I would meet her at college and we would spend hours at the local book fair.  Later, we would discuss our finds as well as the latest happenings on campus over dinner.  I do believe that our mutual love for books helped to create a strong mother – daughter bond too.

Additionally, my daughter was an honor student, a member of Who’s Who in America, and a member of the Spanish Honor Society.  I believe that her early exposure to books helped her to excel in her academics.  Most importantly, start reading to your child at an early age.  It’s never too soon.

Furthermore, I’m hoping that our love for reading will be instilled into my grandchildren.  Reading must be taught, and it starts at home.  My granddaughter mimics her brother.  In addition to having books, they also have a Kindle, iPad, and laptop.  Both of their reading skills are strong.

Additionally, we’ve taught Xavier how to access various sites on the computer.  He’s astute at navigating all of the electronics, and my granddaughter mimics everything her big brother does.  He is teaching her the ABC’s, how to count and various colors.

Benefits of reading to your child:

• Reading together creates a bond.
• Reading helps to build a child’s vocabulary.
• Your child will learn to follow a story from beginning to end. (You won’t be able to fool them if you try to skip pages. Especially, if it’s one of their favorite stories.)
• Your child will have an appreciation for writing.
• Builds a strong foundation for academics.
• Your child will take steps to pick up books and read on their own.  ”’

Reading tips for parents:

• Start reading to your child as early as 6 months.
• Select reading material that interest your child and is appropriate to his/her age group. Toddlers love bright colors and books that are simple.  Board books are perfect.
• Use different voices and pitches (vary your tone) when you read. Young children usually prefer to hear the same story over and over.
• Purchase a personalized book for your child. They love reading about themselves.  I had a personalized book made for both grandchildren.
• PBS has great programs where they focus on words, spelling, and their meaning. Check out you TV Guide for time slots and programs.
• Have your child turn the page when you’re reading paper or hard back book. This gets them involved.
• Allow your child to ask questions, and be sure to ask your child questions about the story.
• Allow your child to select books from his or her age group.  This will work with buying in a store or downloading.
• Take them to the local library for story hour.
• Set an example. If your child sees you reading, they will follow.  I read my Kindle while my Xavier is reading his Kindle or iPad.  Zarriah has a tablet now too.
• Don’t substitute books on tape. The true bonding experience and benefits come from you taking the time to read to your child.

Finally, we hope that you find our benefits of reading to your child helpful.  Also, you may also like 4 Benefits of Reading to Your Child.