Why should I read to my child

By Catalogs Editorial Staff

Parents commonly wonder why should I read to my child and what is the benefit

The saying, “a mind is a terrible thing to waste,” is true for a brain at any age, including a young person’s. The brain is comparable to a muscle, as the more it is used, the bigger it becomes. Not exercising it with knowledge can prevent it from living up to its full potential. Fortunately, reading to your youngster helps to develop his brain and benefits a variety of aspects in both of your lives.

Entertainment

If you’re wondering, “why should I read to my child,” one of the most basics reasons is for the entertainment value. Because of a young person’s short attention span, you may find it hard to keep your little one occupied for more than a few minutes at a time, which can make the days tedious and long. With the help of fun and educational books, however, you can keep her occupied, and help her to learn, as well.

Choosing a subject your audience is interested in can keep her entertained, as can implementing your vocal talents. Children’s books cover a variety of topics — music, art, games, sports, shapes, numbers and more. Whatever your youngster likes, there is sure to be a book that delves into that subject.

To draw her in, create different voices for each of the characters and read the book in a way that is engaging and animated. The more interested you are the in the story, the more likely she will be, too.

Making crafts or playing games that touch on the book’s information provides additional entertainment, as well as learning opportunities.

Academics

Children’s minds are often compared to sponges, because they tend to absorb just about everything around them. Reading to your young one gets him interested in learning and increases his aptitude to do so.

Reading to children who are of preschool age or younger actually increases their chances of excelling in all aspects of education, not just language arts. For instance, spending this time together over books can improve his math and science skills, as well.

When he knows how to put words together to form a sentence, he can better understand how to learn those other subjects. Since telling stories is about looking at words and saying them out loud, this helps him to pick up on how the sentences and words come together. Not only will his mind be able to better understand those subjects, but this activity also encourages him to enjoy academics, as well.

Speech Skills

By watching you relay the words to her, your toddler will begin to learn what sounds letters and words make. This experience is fundamental in helping her to read and write on her own. Taking a few minutes each day to point out the words in the story and saying them to her can benefit her for her entire life.

Even if you don’t think she understands what you are saying, she is still absorbing what is going on. If she simply picks up a book and pretends to say the words on the page, she is showing you that she understands book basics and the time you have spent with her has taught her much about literacy.

Bonding Time

Spending time reading to your toddler creates a special relationship between the two of you. Although the subject matter of the books isn’t extremely important, it can make you and the little one closer if you speak about a topic you enjoy.

For instance, if science fascinates you, pouring over a book about this subject can create a similar interest between you and the young person. Regardless of the subject matter, this activity will bond the two of you for life.

Just about every parent wonders, “why should I read to my child.” The reasons for why you should do so are the advantages you give your children for now and later on in life.

Resources:

Early Moments: 10 Reasons Why You Should Read to Your Child