The education of your children is one of your most important jobs as a parent, and it is never too early to start learning. Fostering a love of learning and a lifelong desire to read is one of the best things you can do for your kids. Whether you read to your child a well known classic or the latest children’s book, the simple act of reading carries a wide range of benefits. Here are 5 great reasons to read to your kids tonight.
#1. It is a Great Way to Bond
Taking time to bond with your kids is important, and there is no better bonding time than time spent reading a great book. Reading your children to sleep at bedtime or helping them with their reading homework is a great way to connect and enjoy more quality family time.
#2. You Will Improve Your Child’s Vocabulary
A rich vocabulary is a vital underpinning of success in the modern world. Study after study has shown that children who were read to as youngsters have better vocabularies than those for whom a screen was the primary entertainer. If you want to set your child up for success, reading to them every day is a great place to start.
#3. It Will Get Your Child Ready for School
You do not have to wait for the first day of school to teach your child to read. Sounding out words and teaching your child about letters and sentence structure is a great way to give them a head start. By the time your child is ready for kindergarten, he or she will have a solid foundation in book handling skills, direction, parts of a book, and maybe even be able to identify some words.
#4. Reading Can Foster a Lifelong Love of Learning
One of the greatest gifts you can give your child is a love of learning. If you are able to foster a desire to pursue knowledge and a curiosity about the world, that enchantment will pay benefits throughout their life. From better grades in school to more job opportunities, a lifelong love of learning can have huge benefits now and in the future.
#5. It is Fun
This may be the best reason of all – reading is a lot of fun. Whether you are reading to your child a beloved book from your own childhood or discovering a new story, you will have as much fun as your children.
Reading to your children is one of the best things you can do to improve their lives, foster a lifelong love of learning and enjoy more quality family time. So turn off the TV, put down the smartphone, pick up a book and read to your kids tonight.
About the author:
Jeannine Laubner is the Global Academic Director of Kipina Kids Nurseries and Preschools, www.kipinakids.com, the world’s fastest-growing international Finnish preschool franchise. She is a fourth-generation teacher, and mother of two Kipinä-educated children. Hailing from San Francisco, USA, she is a successful leader in education with over 18 years of experience. Jeannine holds a Masters degree in Teaching, a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and Cross-Cultural Language and Academic Development certification. When she is not developing teaching tools for the Kipinä Enhanced Finland Curriculum, she is supporting green initiatives, animal welfare and Girlscouts Overseas.