Reading To Our Children

Do you read to your children on a regular basis? Do you have a set time to read to them? And do you take advantage of available moments to read to them?

Do you realize what an important practice reading to your child can be??

I can't really think of a better practice to develop with our children than reading to them. Whether they are small enough to hold on our laps and cuddle or whether we just want to relax in some other way as we read, it is a habit that will pay dividends for both the child and the parent for an eternity. The first thing(s) to develop are so obvious -- those feelings of security, belonging, trust, and an emotional closeness to the parent. Time spent together develops bonds that not much can penetrate and will be cherished by both.

However, it is important to remember not to force reading on your child. Let them set the pace if you meet resistance. If, in the beginning, the child just wants to flip through pages bear with it and make progress with them as you can.

The educational benefits of modeling reading for your child as you read and discuss stories are HUGE. Your child learns that print tells the story, that pictures illustrate the story, the difference between a letter and a word, how to turn the page to advance the story, where the title is located, to distinguish the front of the book from the back, that a book has an author and a publisher, and to observe what is happening in the pictures and that you read from left to right. Those are just some of the simple beginning concepts and by no means is it comprehensive. And further it makes no difference if they prefer to read the same books over and over.

As time progresses and your child grows and develops other concepts are learned through reading. You will see problem solving skills developing as you discuss the stories and you will note your child pick up the concept that behaviors have consequences. It is important to discuss what you read to help with understanding / comprehension. Your child will pick up decoding skills from you by just listening and develop an appreciation of literature and a love of books.

Reading together teaches valuable lessons in a very subtle way. Later you will find yourself saying as you teach your child something entirely different, "do you remember in that story we read......".

I have only touched the tip of the "reading iceberg" of reasons to develop this practice but I hope I have at least gotten your attention.