Original article found here.
Reading with a child every day from birth through elementary school has a lasting, positive outcome for children, families and communities.
Reading aloud is practically free, you can do it anywhere, and children often beg for “just one more” story. Even adults who are not fluent readers can provide a good experience for children by telling stories from their lives, from their imaginations, or from pictures in wordless books.
It is best to read to your child early and often, but it is never too late to start opening the reading door for your child. Reading aloud with children is linked to these powerful results:
- Expanded knowledge and vocabulary
- Improved attention span and memory
- Increased curiosity and imagination
Plus…
- Greater self-esteem, empathy, and confidence
- Stronger, closer relationships
- Higher educational achievement and quality of life