One of the strongest is definitely hearing. There is nothing more comforting than a mother’s voice. That’s why talking, singing, and reading will relax your little one in a heartbeat.
When it comes to reading, it’s never too early to begin. From their earliest days, babies enjoy it listening to the cadence of your voice. At first, it’s just the voice that’s important, but as they grow they are capable of understanding more, looking at the pictures, pointing at certain objects, and, finally, comprehending what the story is about.
There are many reasons why it’s important to read to your child every day, but here are three that will inspire you to read with your child a bit more each day.
3 REASONS WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO READ TO YOUR CHILD EVERY DAY
1. Reading significantly improves children’s vocabulary and helps develop communication skills (linguistic reasons).
At the age of 1, babies are capable of learning all the sounds of their native language. If you continue to read to your baby on a daily basis, he/she will be hearing more and more words containing these sounds. It will result in your baby’s advanced future speaking skills.
The more words they hear, the faster they will learn to communicate on their own. A child that has been frequently read to usually masters communication skills by the age of 2.
Listening to stories and conversations among characters teaches them the basics of different relationships, too.
Developed communication skills also make it easier to understand your child’s needs and fears, preferences and talents. In other words, you won’t have to guess anymore!
A child who can speak often has less difficulty in making friends with other children in the park, at preschool or church, and as they continue on with their educational journey.
2. Reading stimulates your child’s imagination
Reading and listening to stories is like magic for your little one. All of the pictures, rhymes, plots and outcomes combined together reverberate in your little one’s head, stimulating his imagination.
After a while, a child will start to tell his own stories, boosted by the ones you have read together. You can even participate in making up your own stories, using the “what if” principle. Usually, a child will go on with ideas endlessly, so stick with it as long as you can.
Imagination creates wonder in so many different areas. From art to science, no subject is left without some touch of creativity. By reading to your child, you will help the world gain another creative, out-of-the box problem solver!
3. Reading improves concentration and discipline.
At first, you won’t grab your child’s attention for long when you’re reading. That’s completely okay, so don’t let it frustrate you or make you think reading is not his/her thing. Giving up on reading for not getting enough of your child’s attention is a common mistake some parents make. The “Oh, he’s not into books” phrases should be banned.
Be better than that and continue to read every single day. Soon, you’ll be able to recognize the difference in your child’s attitude and concentration. Your child will learn to stay put longer and longer. In the end, you will be reading the whole story with his rapt, undivided attention
Along with concentration, there comes the idea of self-discipline. A child who gets used to reading, comprehends more and more, listens longer, and builds self-discipline through the reading habit.
Self-discipline is very important once any type of actual schooling begins – homeschool, preschool, or public school. It demands a lot from children and those with lower self-discipline rates can experience difficulties in mastering some subjects. Patience, self-control, and self-discipline…who knew they would all be enhanced by simply picking up Goodnight Moon and reading with your child.
Don’t stop reading as your child gets older. In our home, even the 13 year old voluntarily goes to bed early so that his dad can read to him and his younger brother. It’s not only important academically and socially to read with your child, it’s important for building memories and that family bond. Start today. Pick out a book with your child and just start reading. You will, day by day, build a smarter, more cheerful, and self-confident individual. Not to mention one with an amazing imagination!
Read on, friends!