As parents, it can be difficult to know whether or not you are doing the best for your child – especially in the midst of a worldwide lockdown. In the past few months, parents have had to play the role of the homeschool teacher, the sports coach, the parent and everything in between.
Thankfully, one of the easiest activities to do with your child is also one of the most valuable skills you can teach them – Reading. Starting with reading to your child.
For a child, there is perhaps nothing better than curling up with mom or dad and being read to – despite whether they are just learning to read or reading on their own already.
And in the midst of snuggles and stories – that are great for both child and parent – some other fantastic things happen too!
So without further ado, here is a list of reasons why reading to your child is one of the best things you can do for their education this lockdown:
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Reading helps children to develop word recognition
Even when your child is very young, if you read aloud and point to words on a page, they will be able to link written words with spoken words. This lays a foundation for learning to read.
Reading helps to improve vocabulary
When read to, the language children are exposed to is often more complex than that they hear on a daily basis. Studies have shown that reading aloud to your child can significantly increase vocabulary.
Reading helps to teach grammar and sentence structure
When they are being read to, children are able to hear more complex language and to also see how these complexities of language fit together. In seeing these structures regularly and in varied ways, children are able to develop a better understanding of grammar and sentence structure.
Reading aloud teaches children to enjoy reading
As a parent, you should make reading aloud a fun and safe space, to allow your children to associate pleasure and interest with this activity. As a result, your child will enjoy reading more and will be motivated to learn to read independently. They will become life-long readers and learners.
Reading helps children to experience more success at school
With all of the benefits of improved vocabulary, grammar and listening skills; reading helps children to become better learners and active listeners in the classroom. This results in higher academic standards and a deeper understanding at school.
Reading helps to build emotional maturity
The ability to express oneself emotionally as well as developing empathy is a skill that can be learnt through reading. When reading to your children, discuss themes in the book that may result in these skills.
These are just some of the many benefits of reading to your child, which spill over into multiple domains of their lives.
Want to make a brighter future? Start by teaching a child to read.
