Someone once asked me how old my
children were when I started reading to them. Honestly, it was not like I
flipped a switch and then pulled out a book. I read to them as soon as they
could open their eyes. I remember my son being on my lap and barely able to
hold his head up as I read him a soft “baby book” with huge, colorful shapes
and pictures. He sat there enthralled, gazing at the colors with wide eyes.
Sometimes he would lunge forward to touch the colors. He was barely three
months old.
When I gave birth to my daughter two
years later, I would sit on my large blue chair with my son on one leg and my
daughter nestled on my arm on my other leg. My son would turn the pages and I
would read to both of them. I treasured our special time together, and my kids
absolutely loved it. Even though my kids are in their twenties now, I still
have the “reading chair” and just sitting in it evokes the sweetest of memories
for me. But, perhaps the best part of this bonding ritual was that both my
children grew to love reading at a very early age.
The American Academy of Pediatrics
(AAP) is actively urging pediatricians to tell parents to read to their child
from infancy. Reading aloud helps to promote language skills – vocabulary,
speech, and later reading comprehension, literacy and overall intelligence. The
AAP suggests that
pediatricians extol the virtues of reading to children at each “well child”
visit. Reading to your child is right up there with proper nutrition and
vaccinations. Yup – according to science, reading aloud to kids is good for
them.
Where to get books
You don’t need to own a large
library to read to your child. Kids love repetition and will ask to hear the
same story over and over again. (How many times did I read Go Dog Go by
P.D. Eastman?!!!). But if you just can’t pick up that same book again, head to
your local library where the children’s section is sure to bring out your inner
child. As your baby gets older, make reading interactive – have him point to
the truck when you say the word. Then have him repeat the word or say it with
you. Watch as his vocabulary begins to grow. You can practically “see” the
connections being made.
Another place to acquire books for a
home library is at second hand stores or even recycling stations. The “dump” in
the town where I raised my kids has a book shed where you can drop off or pick
up used books for free. And don’t forget, garage or yard sales are great places
to get books for nickels. Having a mini-library at home has been shown to help
children get off on the right academic foot.
When your little one is a toddler,
check out library story hours for parents or caregivers and children. It may
soon become the highlight of your week.
Bottom line
It is never too early to start
reading to your baby or too late to start reading to your child. Not only will
reading aloud help to boost language skills from an early age, but it will
promote bonding and closeness between you and your child. Who knows what world
a book may open up to you and your baby?
So, grab a book, snuggle up and
start reading. You’ll never regret it.
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