Countless research has revealed that reading to children is important. As a quality early learning program, reading and literacy is an essential component of our schedule.
But how do busy families include reading in their daily routine? This article offers several practical suggestions for how to regularly read to your child.
WHY IS READING TO MY CHILD IMPORTANT?
According to a recent study, “young children whose parents read them five books a day enter kindergarten having heard about 1.4 million more words than kids who were never read to.” This statistic is staggering and emphasizes the importance of reading.
Reading aloud to children has many benefits:
Reading expands a child’s vocabulary.
Books expose a child to new ideas and concepts.
Reading together strengthens the child/adult bonds.
Reading provides an opportunity to explore difficult subjects and discuss challenging feelings.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I READ TO MY CHILD?
Experts agree that families should be reading daily. The amount of time spent reading, however, depends on the child’s age and attention span. Generally, you want to read for about 10 – 30 minutes per day. Usually by grade 1, the common expectation is that the child is reading (or being read to) for at least half an hour a day.
It’s important to remember that this amount of reading time doesn’t have to take place all in one sitting. You could read a book before school, after dinner, and then read some more before bed.
WHAT SORT OF BOOKS SHOULD I READ?
There are many fabulous book lists available on the internet. The library is another great place to find books and research quality book lists.
When choosing children’s books consider the following:
Are the pictures (if it’s a children’s picture book) appealing?
What kind of words are in the book? Are there new, interesting, words? Are the words too easy or too challenging?
Would the story be of interest to the child?
How is the book rated?
Make sure you’re choosing books that you AND your child will enjoy.
HOW CAN I FIT READING INTO OUR DAYS?
There are many opportunities to read to your child and you can start a reading habit at a very young age. As mentioned previously, you can include reading at various times in the day. Here are some ways to incorporate reading into your schedule:
If you have time in the morning, read a short book or read a few pages from a longer book.
Listen to audio books. This is especially helpful if you have lengthy commute times (audio books that have companion picture books are especially fun for young children)!
Incorporate a reading time after dinner and/or before bed.
WHAT ARE SOME DEVELOPMENTALLY-APPROPRIATE READING TIPS?
Infants
Babies often enjoy cuddles and lap time. You can read a short, simple word book to them while they are on your lap.
Provide durable books for your infant to look at.
Have words in their environment. For example, you could have their name on their bedroom wall. Point to their name and read it to them.
Toddlers
Toddlers are usually more active, but can often be encouraged to sit and read a book with an adult.
Have a variety of durable, quality books available for your toddler to read.
At this age, children know what they like. Be prepared to read their favourite book over and over again. Don’t worry about the repetition, it’s actually very beneficial for them to hear the same story frequently.
Take them to the library and have the child pick out a couple books that are of interest to them.
Place books close to their favourite toys / play spaces (i.e. a book about trains near their train set).
Preschoolers
Preschoolers generally have longer attention spans, so you can select some lengthier picture books.
This is a great age and stage to ask questions about what you’re reading together (i.e. “What was the main character excited about?”)
Bring your child to the library and let them choose a few picture books.
Family read-aloud events at the library are a great way to discover new books and authors.
Have words in their environment (i.e. label their dresser drawers, write them notes, etc.)
Set up places and spaces that encourage your child to read (i.e. a small tent with cozy cushions, blankets, and a basket of books).
School-Aged Children
Keep school-aged children engaged in reading by allowing them the opportunity to buy or borrow books that are of interest to them.
Read a chapter book daily together.
Have a parent/child book club! Read the same book and meet weekly with a cup of tea or hot cocoa to discuss the chapter(s) you’ve read.
Audio books are still a hit with this age group. Include audio books in regular drives and on road trips.
Attend special events at the library to encourage your child to read. Summer and winter break reading programs are a fantastic option when your child is on school vacation.
Schedule a regular family reading time when the family gathers together in the evening but reads independently.
Most importantly, be a role-model for your child. Practice reading books on your own. Children watch and copy the adults in their lives, so show them how you enjoy books in your spare time too.
With these tips, your child’s interest in books and reading is bound to increase. Making reading an important activity in your lives will have lifelong benefits for your child.
Bambini Learning Group is a Reggio-inspired, holistic child care program located in Edmonton, Alberta. Their vision is to inspire families to live healthier, more meaningful lives. Through innovative, holistic, and supportive resources, bambini is helping children live the authentic childhood they deserve. New locations coming soon! Contact bambini for more information about their unique, holistic child care program at [email protected], or book a tour to see bambini for yourself!
