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Reading to Your Children
By Brandie Valenzuela
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 It
can't be said enough: read to your children and let them read to you!
There is no set age to begin-some parents start reading to their baby
in their womb, others expose their child to their first books when they
are toddlers. All that really matters is that you start early, and read
often!
After going
without a trip to our local library for several years, my children and
I went back to the place that, for them, was like a candy store. Smiles
appear on their faces as they wander the aisles looking for that
perfect book. My son frantically types words such as "lizards" and
"monkeys" into the computerized card catalog, while my daughter asks
the volunteers for help finding "scary books". As a mother, I find that
this is a delightful sight. I love watching my children so in awe of
the written word, and so eager to enter the new worlds where these
books will take them.
If you are a
parent who admits that you don't read to your children enough, or if
you feel that you are just too busy for this activity, I would like to
take the time to explain to you several reasons for why you should read
to your little ones:
- Reading aloud
to children helps them to learn to read. If you need just one reason,
this should be it! All parents want their children to learn to read,
and by reading to them you are giving them an early start.
- Reading aloud
helps your child to learn new words and language skills. Think for a
second-if you are reading a book about cats and the word "feline" is in
the text, chances are good that your child will begin to know that
"feline" is another word for "cat"-even without you specifically saying
this.
- Reading
aloud to children helps them to develop their imaginations. Young
children will listen to the words that you read and they will imagine
them in their minds. Later, they might think back to the story and
imagine even greater tales involving the characters, places, and
feelings you read about.
- Reading
aloud to children helps them to learn about the world around them.
Books can expose us to locations and situations that we may never
experience ourselves first-hand.
- Reading
aloud teaches children that reading is a part of everyday life. Just as
your child learns to bathe and brush his teeth, establishing daily
reading routines with books will show them that this fun activity is an
important part of daily life.
- Reading
aloud shows children that adults value reading. A child's greatest role
model is you! Read to them, and let them see you reading on your own,
and they will realize that reading is something they should do.
- Reading
aloud to children helps them to learn about moral concepts. Many
stories teach about honesty, service, kindness and choosing right over
wrong. Enjoying a good book together can teach your child these
valuable concepts.
- Reading
aloud to children better enables them to have success once they enter
school. While no one can guarantee that a child who has been read to at
a young age will not have problems in school, a child who has been read
to is more likely to do better than those who haven't been.
- Reading
aloud to children enables them to enjoy books that are too difficult
for them to read on their own. Many parents read aloud from the Bible
or other books that are more for older persons. This is a perfect way
to bring more variety to your child's life, but just be sure to
incorporate lots of books that are on their level as well.
- Reading
aloud to children is a way feel close to each other. Since reading is a
calm and soothing activity, it gives parents something to engage in
with their children without spending a lot of money or even a lot of
energy. Snuggle up and read!
About the Author
Brandie Valenzuela is a freelance writer and editor of two weekly magazines: The Family First Newsletter, which is devoted to mothers and their families, and also The Creative Scrappers Newsletter which has everything for the person who loves to scrapbook.
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