You’ve seen the billboards, the magazine ads, and the commercials. We all know that we are supposed to read to our children. However, do you know why it is so important that we read to our children? As an educator, we know we must give purpose to what we are teaching. Otherwise, the students may not see the importance in learning it. Here are 5 reasons to explain why it is so important you read to your children every. single. day.
Strengthens Comprehension
When you read to your child you are allowing your child to enjoy listening to the storyline. Your child does not have to worry about decoding tricky words and trying to comprehend the story at the same time. While having them read is very important, they can work on the equally important skill of comprehension while you are reading to them.
Modeling
When you read aloud to your child they will see and hear a model of fluent reading. Your child needs to be exposed to examples of what fluent reading sounds and looks like. Comprehension of a story is linked very closely with the fluency in which a story is read. They need to know that a fluent reader reads smoothly with expression and pays attention to punctuation. Children will benefit from hearing models of various fluent readers, so invite your spouse, parents, caregivers and older children to read to your children.
Builds vocabulary
Reading aloud to your child will expose your child to new words. The context in which the word is read aloud may give your child enough information to learn the meaning of words. In many cases, your child may ask you what certain words mean while you are reading. Your child is not always given this opportunity when they are being read to in class or when they are reading alone. Learning while bonding…now that is a win-win!
Reading to your child for just 15 minutes a day impacts their education significantly. But more importantly, you can share in the joy of reading together every single day! I can guarantee your child will look forward to that reading time more than any other time in the day!
Quality Time
Finding time to spend with our children is a hard task for most parents. Between making dinner, checking homework, making sure everyone is bathed and ready for the next day, there really is not a lot of time to spend one on one with our children. Reading to your child every day for 10-15 minutes will provide that quality time that benefits everyone involved.
Perfect piece to a nightly routine
We know how important a structured bedtime routine is to ensure that children are tucked into bed on time. Reading to your child at any point during your routine will provide them the time they need to wind down after a busy school day. Depending on where you decide to place this part of the routine, it can also work as a motivating factor to bathe and brush their teeth in a timely manner.
Spice up that snuggle time with comprehension cards. Have your child answer the questions about a text after you finish reading to them. It will make for some great conversation after you read the book!
