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Book It: The Importance of Reading To Your Child

by Marie-Helen Goyetche

Books "Read to your child" is a phrase often told to parents, but many of us don't have as much time as we'd like to do it. Parents often ask many questions about reading to their children, such as: How beneficial can reading to my child be? Can I develop my child's reading skills if I'm not a frequent reader? I'm the one reading the words, what does my child get out of reading? What books are appropriate for young children? How do I go about setting up a reading session? Here are some answers to these very important questions.

Benefits
Reading to your child can be beneficial in more ways than one. Perhaps the most important benefit is the time you will spend together. You'll share a special moment by taking part in an activity that can be done almost any time and any place. Sitting on your lap, your child will have a sense of security. You'll get to know each other and deepen your relationship.

Reading can be compared to art: the more you draw, the better an artist you'll become. Likewise, the more you read, the better a reader you'll be. Your child will not criticize your reading skills. Even if you have a rocky start, with time, your reading skills will get better.

By reading the story aloud, your child will learn to follow a story from beginning to end. New vocabulary will be introduced. When there's more than one language spoken in the household, the child will develop his hearing to the language and be able to use the correct pronunciation. There's also picture identification and labeling various items in the book.

Key Ingredients For Successful Reading:
  • Find something interesting to read.

  • Change your tone of voice, use low and high pitch, use squeaking sounds, whistles and other mouth noises.

  • Involve your child in the reading.

  • Discuss with your child the people in the story and what happened.

  • Play with the ending, e.g. What happened to …? What if…?

  • Most important -- laugh and have fun with your child.

When the child follows the story line, letter recognition develops. Try adding an extra word in the story -- your child will tell you know that he's heard the difference. You'll also be enhancing your child's love of words. A child that is read to will grow up to be a reader. Reading is one of life's essential skills. Could you go a day without reading? Later on in your reading sessions, your child will associate the picture with the word and those pre-reading skills are golden.

What to Read
Mom and daughter, reading Books, picture books and even homemade picture stories are inexpensive and are available from the supermarket, drugstore and even the dollar store. Borrowing books from the local library is a frugal way to read to your child and their supply is always renewing. Grandparents, aunts and other family members are often at a loss when it comes to birthdays and other gift-giving holidays. Suggest an age-appropriate book club or magazine subscription. There are many sites on the Internet available with children's stories.

If you can't find a book to read, try your newspaper. You could read the comics together, the sports or lifestyle section. Don't be surprised when a child gets attached to one particular book. Be prepared to read that book over and over again.

The Atmosphere
When setting up a reading session, you'll need a cozy corner with good lighting and a comfortable chair or couch for both of you. Use a blanket to cuddle under and don't forget your book.

Set aside a special time to read to your child. Young children younger than 6 probably will be content with a 10- to 15-minute reading session. Give it a try! You may find it's as much fun for you as it is for your child.

Visit our bookstore here.

About the Author: Marie-Helen Goyetche is an iParenting contributing writer and the mother of two boys.

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