- According to the nonprofit literacy organization, Reach Out and Read, children who are read to on a daily basis are more likely to learn to read on schedule. Most young children can't sit for more than a few minutes, but even small amounts of reading can help to form the foundation for a desire to read. Over time, children develop the ability to string together sentences and remember key phrases of their favorite books. Even talking about the pictures in a story can expand a child's vocabulary, preparing him for school.
- A skilled reader has many benefits over an unskilled reader. According to Reach Out and Read, those with reading difficulties are more likely to leave school and are prone to juvenile delinquency, while skilled readers have a higher vocabulary, deeper passion for learning and greater confidence. Children who begin school without a grasp of basic language concepts generally remain behind classmates that have higher reading abilities. A structured reading schedule during the first few years of a child's life prepares a child for school.
- Skilled readers have an ability to understand what they are reading and retain more information. In the same manner, these readers comprehend themes and ideas that they infer from the story. This affects the reader's ability to learn new vocabulary that can be applied in daily life, even when some of the words in a sentence are new. Comprehension ability is important as it helps children to find solutions to problems in a story.
- The familial bonding that occurs when a parent reads aloud to a child forges a relationship between the two, while instilling a positive association in regard to learning. Reading aloud also builds motivation and encourages curiosity in a positive manner by allowing children to explore new ideas and topics. Children learn by example; parents that read for pleasure demonstrate the value of knowledge.
next post