If you were told there was one simple thing you could do for your child that has been scientifically demonstrated to lead to greater success in school, wouldn't you be dying to know what it is?
It turns out that the simple acts of speaking and reading aloud to your kids have the power to help them attain early language skills (they even help activate language development even before a child's first word), stimulate motivation and memory, and help children cope with stress and tragedy.
And the earlier you begin reading aloud to your child, the better. Studies have found that parents who simply use more words when speaking to a child as young as 8 months can lead to a significantly greater vocabulary for that child by the time they are 3 years old.
Reading together fosters a deep connection
The positive interaction that occurs when you read to your child not only helps foster a deeper connection between the two of you, but it also forms a positive association with reading in your child's mind that will stay with them for life. And it's interesting to note that reading has been found to help children deal with stress and tragedy. That's a coping mechanism worth encouraging!
Reading to your child can also help you explain difficult situations and it provides important life lessons for your child without them actually experiencing it. For example, if you want to make a point to your child about being grateful for what they have, find a book about a child living in poverty. This will help your child understand the world outside of themselves, and will bring them a greater sense of empathy and compassion.
Instead of plopping down in the front of the TV tonight, why not head to the nearest library and let your kids pick out a few books and then watch their imaginations soar!
Want more information about the benefits of reading to your kids? Check out Reach Out And Read to discover all the ways reading aloud can set your child up for success in school ... and life!
Jennifer Green has previously written for Macaroni Kid Pittsburgh.
