Reading With Your Little One

Research from a literacy organization called Reading is Fundemental (RIF), has proven that approximately two thirds of parents do not read to their kids every night. Of the 1,003 parents surveyed (from different races) half of the parents noted that their children “spend more time watching TV and playing video games than reading” (Bayliss, 2013). 

     Reading with our children:

     1. Enhances Vocabulary and Academic Development

     2. Strengthens Parent/Child Relationship

     3. Produces Better Communication and Logic Skills

1. Enhances Vocabulary and Academic Development- “Children who were read to as newborns have a larger vocabulary, as well as more advanced mathematical skills, than other kids their age” (DiProperzio, 2013).

 2. Strengthens Parent/Child Relationships- Reading time provides a moment for parents to cuddle their child and show how much they love them. Reading to children at night helps “calm your child and set expectations about when it is time to sleep” (Quick, 2013). Establishing a sleeping pattern by stating that story time is at nine o’clock for example helps reduce arguments about bedtime.

3. Produces Better Communication and Logic Skills- Reading also helps children communicate better with others because they are able to distinguish a character’s emotions when a parent actively reads to them with expression. They are able to, “learn the emotions of people in books and how characters interact and can pull situations from books into their daily life” (Stan, 2013).

How to make reading happen!

1. Visit the library often with your children

2. Limit time spent in front of the T.V.

3. Set an example by reading books in your free time 

4. Set a routine to read together before bed every night 

What ways have you found reading to be a success? How do you get your energetic little one to sit down and read? Comment below to help our readers with this challenging task! 

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Bayliss, S. (2013). Two thirds of parents don't read to their kids every night, reveals poll. School Library Journal. Retrieved from           http://www.slj.com/2013/06/research/two-thirds-of-parents-dont-read-to-their-kids-every-night-reveals-poll/

DiProperzio, L. (2013). The benefits of reading to your newborn. Parents Magazine , 9. Retrieved from http://www.parents.com/baby/development/intellectual/benefits-of-reading-to-your-newborn/

Quick, C. A. (2013, May). Reading books to babies. Kids Health. Retrieved from             http://kidshealth.org/parent/pregnancy_newborn/learning/reading_babies.html

Stan, J. (2013). 10 reasons why you should read to your kids. Early Moments. Retrieved from https://www.earlymoments.com/Promoting-Literacy-and-a-Love-of-Reading/Why-Reading-to-Children-is-Important/