March is National Reading Month! Of course, reading to young children introduces new vocabulary, but studies have shown that there are numerous other benefits, as well.
Since reading is vital for future school and life success, it’s imperative that reading and thoughtful conversations be encouraged and practiced at home. Choose a specific time when everyone in the family reads, not just the children. Show enthusiasm about reading, choose stories that you enjoy, and have a variety of non-traditional printed literature available.
Also, relate reading to their interests. If your child loves food, they might delight in reading a cookbook! If they’re interested in cars, you can have manuals for them to look at.
Perhaps most importantly, even once your child is able to read independently, do not stop reading aloud to them. Through this habit, they’ll continue to expand their vocabulary, build listening skills, and learn about story characteristics such as setting and plot.
Get more tips on how to read to your baby, toddler, preschooler, and beyond:
http://www.raisesmartkid.com/all-ages/1-articles/52-reading-to-children-how-tos-and-tips
http://www.naeyc.org/files/yc/file/200303/ReadingAloud.pdf
http://www.zerotothree.org/child-development/early-language literacy/earlyliteracy2pagehandout.pdf