I cannot stress enough how important it is for your child to read on a daily basis! Whether your child is reading quietly, reading out loud to you, or listening to you read, it is imperative that you make it a part of your daily routine. Below is an excerpt from an article which explains exactly why it is so important to read with and instill a love of reading in your child. This cannot be done in school alone! Even if reading is difficult for your child, he/she needs to understand that giving up is not an option! Please join me in the effort to educate young readers in how exciting reading truly can be!

Article Title: Reading Aloud with Children of All Ages

Source: www.naeyc.org

Author: Derry Koralek

Why Reading Aloud Is Important

• Reading aloud presents books as sources of pleasant, valuable, and exciting experiences. Children who value books are motivated to read on their own.

• Reading aloud gives children background knowledge, which helps them make sense of what they see, hear, and read. The more adults read aloud to children, the larger their vocabularies will grow and the more they will know about the world and their place in it.

• Reading aloud lets parents and teachers be role models for reading. When children see adults excited about reading, they will catch their enthusiasm.

• Reading aloud can introduce books and types of literature—poetry, short stories, biographies— children might not discover on their own.

• Reading aloud introduces the language of books, which differs from language heard in daily conversations, on television, and in movies. Book language is more descriptive and uses more formal grammatical structures.

• Reading aloud lets children use their imaginations to explore people, places, times, and events beyond their own experiences.

• Reading aloud gives children and adults something to talk about. Talking supports the development of reading and writing skills.

• Reading aloud supports the development of thinking skills as children and adults discuss books, articles, and other texts they read together.

• Reading aloud is fun.

When To Read Aloud

• Reading aloud is important from infancy through the high school years. Families and teachers can create and continue a tradition, introduce and reinforce the pleasures of reading, and, as children get older, set the stage for meaningful conversations about numerous topics.

• Read aloud at a predictable, scheduled time that fits with daily routines at home and school. And read aloud spontaneously—when adults and children are in the mood for a story.

• Families can increase read-aloud opportunities by asking older siblings to read to younger ones; teenage babysitters to read while caring for children; and grandparents and other relatives and friends to read during their visits. Teachers can do the same using volunteers and other visitors to the classroom.

• Read aloud at home and in school and when away from home or the classroom—-at the doctor’s office, on the bus, while waiting in line, outdoors, on a field trip.