The love of reading to children

8 plus things reading teaches our children

It is never too early to read to your child. I think the earlier the better. Imagine if every night, from when the child was born, you read age appropriate stories until they were 5. That is around 1800 books.

I know the idea seems silly to some to read to a baby. This is only because it is a bit foreign – if it was done more it wouldn’t be a foreign idea. Babies love to hear our voices – this is what calms and teaches them.

I read to my daughter within her first month of life and she is now 8. I was once cooking dinner and I asked my Mum to read to her and my Mum thought she heard me incorrectly! However, I got a ‘traditional’ baby board book and Mum felt better.

If reading is done as early as possible this is a foundation that books are a part of life. And as the baby and toddler and child grows they learn more about reading. Babies and children learn:

1.We look at pictures and words.

2. We laugh and cry when we read.

3. We use expression when we read.

4. We smile when we read.

5. We change our tone when we read.

6. We learn when we read.

7. We are in a ‘reading zone’ when we read.

8. We read.

If reading to children is a new activity for you ease yourself into it. Maybe read the same book for a little while. And make sure you pick great books that are appealing to you and your child. Make sure the books are age appropriate and ones you feel comfortable to read. Go to your library and browse for a while. Happy reading, bonding, learning and sharing.