As a kid, I loved to read, so much so that I grew up to become a reading specialist. Reading is a vital skill that not only offers endless hours of enjoyment, but also contributes to students’ personal and academic development.
One of the best ways to help kids learn to read is to read to them when they are young. Here are some reasons I encourage adults to read to the children in their lives.
- Language Development: When we read to children, we expose them to new words, which expands their vocabulary. We also introduce them to the rhythm and structure of language, which makes it easier for them to learn to read and write later.
- Cognitive Development: Listening to an engaging story builds a child’s ability to pay attention and think critically, both of which support learning. Plus, the new ideas presented in stories often boost a child’s curiosity and creativity.
- Emotional and Social Development: Listening to stories about characters experiencing hardship or navigating unfamiliar circumstances can foster emotional awareness, empathy, and perspective-taking. Many stories deal with a range of emotions and situations, which can help children understand and express their own feelings better.
- Academic Success: Students who listened to stories growing up often develop stronger reading and literacy skills than those who don’t. And these skills make it easier to learn all academic subjects–even math and science!
- Stronger Relationships: Reading together strengthens the parent-child bond. When parents put away their cell phones and give their children their undivided attention, children feel valued and loved. Plus, the shared experiences of laughing together, being surprised together, and even feeling sad together make people feel closer. In addition, stories that address difficult topics such as loss, fear, or change can open the door to conversations that might otherwise feel awkward or uncomfortable; this paves the way for parents and other adults to help children cope with real-life situations.
While your kids are in elementary school, even after they learn to read, it can be fun to create a bedtime routine that includes you reading to them each night. Eventually, you can help them transition into their own reading routine. Studies show that children fall asleep more easily and get better sleep when they stop staring at screens at least an hour before bed, so reading to them now can help them create a life-long habit of healthy sleep.
If you are wondering which books would be best for your child at their age and stage, check out commonsensemedia.org. This wonderful resource reviews media of all types (books, TV shows, movies).
Although I don’t teach reading anymore, I still love reading. When I was a middle school principal, I got into the habit of reading young adult novels. I wanted to be in touch with what my students were exposed to, and though I am now a district superintendent. I still love young adult novels, so I thought I’d share a few of my favorites:
- The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, a Printz Honor Winner
- A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park, a Newbery Medalist based on a true story
- The School Teacher of Saint-Michel by Sarah Steele, historical fiction set during WWII
Other wonderful books that come to mind are those illustrated by Bryan Collier, who won six Coretta Scott King Awards as an illustrator and is a four-time Caldecott Honor recipient. I also love The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg, the Rangers Apprentice series by John Flanagan, the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan, the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, and so many more. Books come in every imaginable genre, from contemporary and literary fiction to dystopian thrillers and historical biographies, from graphic novels to fantasy and science fiction, from action and adventure to mystery, horror, romance and non-fiction. Truly, there is something for everyone.
If you want more recommendations, ask your child’s teacher or any librarian. I hope we can help every kid fall in love with reading!