Why Reading to Children Helps with Literacy

Reading to your children Plays a Huge Role in their Literacy Level

You probably know that research shows that the early years involve the highest rates of learning, and the habits formed at a young age will stay with them for a lifetime.  Therefore, it’s a perfect time to introduce children to books which educate and inform throughout life.  Children are never too young to enjoy books (including newborns), and it’s not just about reading the words.  It’s also about enjoying the interaction with parents as the child sits with them and enjoys the time spent together.  Just hearing a parent’s voice can be a great comfort.You can’t possibly start reading to your child “too soon,” including your newborn.

Children of any age can benefit from experiencing books on a day to day basis, each and every day.  A good selection of quality children’s books is a very important part of the whole literacy process.

Reading to Babies

man reading book to baby

Bedtime stories are a great way to help send babies off to sleep.  They also help to develop memory skills during repeated tellings of favorite books.  Introducing reading to babies sets them on the road to the wonders of the written word and helps provide a useful grounding in listening and reading skills as they grow.  You helping your baby climb the developmental milestones chart every time you read to him/her.

Good Books for Toddlers

mom reading to child credit photopin

Toddlers  love the bright colors and pictures, as well as stories that focus on familiar, everyday events.   Books do not even have to include words in order to be enjoyable.  Children have the imagination to take picture books and create their own stories around the different pictures in the book.

Toddlers often enjoy looking at the same book, or having the same story read to them over and over again as they anticipate what is on the next page.  It’s also a good age to learn the basics of language and numbers.  Books that allow children to “read along,” (including counting books) will help them learn new words and numbers.   Stories with a sequence allow children to predict, repeat sounds, and make word plays.  Even if the very young child is “reading” the book from memorization, they are still reading, even if not so in the technical sense.  (If a child says they are reading, then they are!)

Personalized children’s books are alot of fun for kids too.  Made with the child’s name and possibly the names of family and friends, these books are great for building self confidence, and a perfect way to encourage children to begin learning to read by themselves.  I had personalized books made for each of my three children when they were small.  They absolutely loved them and requested those particular books many, many times.

You and the kids can learn how to write a book and get it published

In today’s day and age, with all of the technology, it’s not a difficult, nor expensive thing to write a book together with your child and have it made into a book!  It will most likely be the most enjoyable thing you ever do together.  What a fun way to help improve your child’s literacy!

If you would like to know how to get started on writing and publishing a book with your child, Contact me- I would love to help you create a book with your child – or your grandchildren!

Until then, keep on reading to your children!

Sincerely, Jayne

author web site pic_edited-1

To learn more about great books for young children visit:

www.ellathedoggy.com

Photos courtesy of photopin.com

 

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