Importance of reading with children

Reading and exposing a child to books at a young age is powerful.

Not only does it play a vital role in a child’s growth and development it can increase bonding,  provide an opportunity for a child to share a moment or learn of new experiences.

Did you know that by the age of 5 years if a child is exposed to books and reading just 20 minutes per day they will they will hear 1.8 million words per year.

Reading to your child from a baby helps the brain make connections between the written and spoken word, widening vocabulary in the process.

Books enables children to learn sounds, words and language. It promotes the development of social skills, brain development, cognition.

Reading books teaches children about relationships, humour, various situations. Reading enables a child to be exposed to a world outside their own. Their understanding and appreciation for the world is expanded.

There are many benefits of reading with children or of developing a love and appreciation of books with children from a young age.

1. Introduces a rich diversity and appreciation of literature.
2. Promotes brain development.
3. Develops pre-reading and pre-writing skills.
4. Aids in understanding of a world outside our own.
5. Develops listening skills.
6. Increases language and vocabulary.
7. Develops language skills and exposes them to an expanded amount of words and promotes communication and language acquisition.
8. Encourages cooperative behaviours.
9. Develops empathy.
10. Increases attention span.
11. Helps develop concepts and understanding of situations.
12. Encourages imagination and creativity.
13. Strengthens relationships.
14. Provides endless possibilities and opportunities.
15. Reading improves concentration.
16. Stress relief.
17. Increases knowledge.

• Read to your child from birth.
• Model – by a child seeing you enjoy reading they will be more inclined to want to read.
• Make reading and books fun and enjoyable.
• Have quiet times when you read and allow them to interact in the book and experience.