Are you looking for an easy and effective way to improve your child’s cognitive abilities as well as strengthen your bond? Consider reading out loud to your child every day. Not only is reading to your child a wonderful way to spend time together, but it is also one of the best ways to improve their academic performance in the classroom and increase their chances of a successful future.
Reading Aloud to Your Child Helps Build Their Vocabulary
One of the best ways to expand your child’s vocabulary is to read out loud to them. When they hear new words being used in a book you can take the time to explain what those words mean.
Not only does this expand your child’s vocabulary, but it strengthens their reading comprehension skills too. This will help set them up for success throughout their academic careers.
It’s a Great Way to Bond With Your Child
Nowadays it’s all too easy to allow your child to sit on the couch watching tv or playing video games on their tablet. Reading to your child throughout the day or right before bedtime is a wonderful way to bond with them that doesn’t require technology.
Consider taking your child to the library this weekend and exploring the children’s section. You’ll enjoy spending the day together and picking out new books to read when you get home.
Reading Out Loud to Your Child Helps Strengthen Their Listening Skills
When you read to your child you are helping to strengthen their listening skills, which is vital for classroom performance. This is especially true when you’re reading a chapter book to your child.
As you read your child must listen carefully to the plot details as they happen, as well as important character developments. Consider asking your child questions as you read to see how well they are following along and whether they understand the story as it unfolds.
Another fantastic way to engage your young child’s interest in reading is to pick several titles and have them choose which kindergarten book read aloud to enjoy before bedtime.
Reading Gets Your Child Ready for the Classroom
Teachers read aloud to their students on a daily basis, whether it’s during story time or through giving instructions for a test. Reading to your child at an early age will help prepare them for the classroom.
Not only does reading to your child improve their concentration skills, but it also increases their ability to understand different sounds, expand their vocabulary, and strengthen their fluency. It is also a wonderful way to model what reading aloud should sound like, especially when you change your tone and inflection.
Listening to what you sound like when you read to them will strengthen their confidence when they read aloud in the classroom too.
It Helps Open the Door to Important Discussions on Difficult Topics
All parents are aware that they will eventually have to discuss difficult topics with their children. Discussions on racism, discrimination, death, divorce, and other life issues can be difficult to get started.
By purchasing books on difficult topics that are age appropriate you can open the door to these difficult, yet necessary, discussions. These types of discussions might even present the opportunity for your child to come to you with any problems or concerns they may be dealing with.
Reading to Your Child While They’re Young Helps Make Them a Lifelong Reader
Parents who read to their children when they are young are more likely to raise lifelong readers. Lifelong readers are more likely to be knowledgeable about what’s going on in the world and current events. They also tend to be more successful and well-adjusted adults.
Not only does spending a few minutes reading to your child before bed every night strengthen your bond and emotional connection with each other, but you will be making a positive difference in your child’s future as well.
Closing Thought
Reading to your child is a simple, yet profoundly effective way to improve their academic performance. By taking just fifteen minutes out of your day to read to your young child you are not only creating a strong emotional bond but you are also setting the stage for a lifetime of success and a bright, sunny future.
