Why is Reading Aloud So Important?

 

 

Why should we read aloud to our children every day - even when they are able to read to themselves? ( Adapted from www.reachoutandread.org)

  • Children who are read to during the first years of life are much more successful in school.
  • Reading aloud promotes vocabulary and thinking skills; it also builds motivation, curiosity, and memory.
  • The foundation for reading is based primarily on language exposure - resulting from parents and other adults talking, singing, and reading to young children.
  • Books contain many words that children are unlikely to encounter frequently in spoken language. Children's books contain 50% more rare words than primetime television.
  • The nurturing and one-on-one attention from caregivers during read aloud encourages children to form a positive association with books and reading later in life.
  • Reading aloud is a proven technique to help children cope during times of stress or tragedy.