In preparation for our new release, Pearls for Pearl by Amber Heaton, I want to take a moment to remind everyone why it’s important to read to your child.
Did you know it’s never too early to read to your child? “It’s so important to start reading from Day One,” [Liza Baker] says. “The sound of your voice, the lyrical quality of the younger [books] are poetic … It’s magical, even at 8 weeks old they focus momentarily, they’re closer to your heart.”
The important part of reading this early is your voice and cadence – you can choose whatever you want to read, as long as it’s out loud. Harvard University found that “healthy emotional and cognitive development [of children] is shaped by responsive, dependable interaction with adults.”
Reading aloud is a great vocabulary builder. Reading aloud gives a structure to the words they hear, and opens their minds to creativity and imagination. While child might not ask about specific things, she is absorbing everything around her, so by reading various topics you are introducing the outside world and encouraging empathy for different people.
When you and your child start having discussions related to the stories, you are creating a thirst for knowledge that will last a lifetime. Allow these conversations to grow and you’ll find new topics that interest your child, and be able to encourage them to read on their own.
But don’t stop reading with them just because they can read on their own. Furthering their literacy skills with verbal communication enhances their overall comprehension, helps their vocabulary grow more, and provides a confidence for personal communication.
Listening skills, comprehension, and reading skills all develop early. So give your children one of the best chances of lifelong success, and read to them.
More Resources for Parents:
- Babies Like – How to read to your baby
- Mom Loves Best – Find age-appropriate books and hook your kids on reading