It may seem like reading to a newborn doesn’t make sense. But science shows reading to a child from birth makes a big difference. By reading five books a day, a child will hear 1.4 million more words by kindergarten than a child who was not read to. Even just reading one book a day to a child will introduce 290,000 words by age 5.
Not only does reading introduce new words, but it also introduces new concepts such as exploring Antarctica and the animals that live there or how families in different cultures live.
Reading together has many benefits for both you and your child. Here’s just a sampling:
Connection and Bonding
Reading to and with your child will help create moments of connection. Spending time together creates a sense of security for your child and that will help them associate reading and literacy as positive experiences.
Cognitive and Language Development
Cognitive and language development is defined as how children think, explore and problem solve. This development helps them learn to think, gain understanding of the world around them and communicate with others.
Listening Skills
Regular reading together helps children develop listening skills that build longer attention spans and higher memory retention.
Creativity
Reading helps children’s imaginations run free. Hearing descriptive words gives them the freedom to be creative and make the words come to life in their own way.
Health Benefits
There are number of health benefits related to reading. These include relieving stress, improving brain connectivity and development, lowering blood pressure and heart rate, developing a sense of empathy and aiding in a good night’s sleep.
Social and Emotional Development
Reading and hearing stories about emotions and the ways characters work through different situations helps children learn to positively interact with family and friends.
Reading aloud to your child is powerful. It can be one of the most rewarding and fulfilling activities you do with your child. Start small and set goals. Find a special place and time to read—it doesn’t always have to be part of the bedtime routine. Before you know it, you will start to see the benefits!