WHY READ ALOUD?

Is Reading to Children Really That Important?
 “Yes!” The research is crystal clear that the most important thing we can do to help our children learn is the read to them every day.

“The more we read aloud to our kids and the more they read by themselves, the more experience they’ll have of the world through the things they encounter in books. And the more experience they have of theworld, the easier it will be to read.”
Reading Magic by Mem Fox.

“The kids who have the edge in school, and later in the work force, are the ones whose parents have read to them from the day they were born. Quite simply, they learned to love reading beingread to.”
Edie Lackner in Storytime with Your Children.

Children who are read to at an early age:

• will be better prepared to learn to read.
• will have heard more than 30 million words by age three.
• will have a vocabulary of 20,000 words by age six.
• also score highest on reading, math, and general knowledge tests.

 In addition, reading to children:

• builds new and stronger connections in the brain.
• motivates them to become readers.
• teaches them how to use books.
• encourages the use of words, enlarging vocabulary and understanding.
• promotes good listening and stretches attention spans.
• gives a love of language and of books.
• stimulates curiosity and imagination.
• exposes them to a wealth of experiences outside their own world.
• sharpens memory of what is seen and heard.
• makes learning to read easier and more fun.
• brings realization that print carries meaning.
• improves communication skills by talking about stories.
• teaches family values and cultural awareness.
• provides knowledge and new information.
• brings fun and enjoyment to the parent-child relationship.

Make reading enjoyable for you both. This is a great opportunity to lay the foundation for future success in reading and learning!