Reading aloud is the single most important thing you can do for your child’s literacy. Children who are read to on a daily basis have better vocabulary and stronger communication skills. More so, they have a better connection with their parents and a greater empathy towards others.
This generally applies to kids who cannot read yet, but what about kids who can? Research suggests that kids only gain proper reading comprehension once they are in the 8th grade. Although curious, they might likely be overwhelmed and lose interest in reading.
10 Reasons Why You Should Read Aloud to Your Children
It is suggested that you stop reading aloud to your children until at least 15. But what would your child benefit if you acted upon this? Believe it or not, there are several advantages that not only your child gets but you also. These benefits are:
- Exposes children to more complex vocabulary.
- Strengthens the bond between you and your child.
- Enables your child to read more fluently.
- Allows you to introduce more genres and authors.
- Sparks thought-provoking discussions between you and your child.
Apart from the advantages mentioned above, there are several other advantages, ten of which are mentioned as the following:
1. Models Complex Language – Something That Might Define Your Kid’s Career
First and foremost, reading to your child aloud after they understand how to read can enable them to learn a more complex language. Kids thrive under the right amount of guidance and experimentation, and guiding them after they can read can give them a better vocabulary than their peers. Not only vocabulary they will grasp complex scientific information faster.
2. Creates Shared Experience – Helps in Teamworking Skill Afterwards
Reading aloud to your kids also creates a shared experience that they enjoy longer than others. This shared experience acts as a fond memory that they can cherish later. As a result, they can also learn teamwork skills.
3. Introduces Difficult Topics – Makes Them Step Out of Their Comfort Zone
One thing that I especially like about reading aloud to kids after they can read is that it introduces complex topics at an early stage. Kids who get the opportunity of being read aloud learn things at their pace and not the class’s pace, thus learning complex information before their peers. This also instills the trait of stepping out of their comfort zone.
4. Develops Listening Skills – Makes Them a Good Listener Overall
Think about it. If you read aloud to your children longer than others, wouldn’t they improve their listening skills? They will respect others and be obedient to you as well.
5. Supports Struggling Readers – Your Child Won’t Lack In Academics
If your child is struggling with reading, it indicates that he or she needs your attention. Helping them resolve that issue enables them to have a good academic career. It also makes them grow fond of you, and they will respect you more after that.
6. Expands Their World’s View – Gives Them A Better Understanding of The World
Although books sometimes contain elements that aren’t from the real world, they are an excellent tool for understanding the world. Reading them aloud helps your child develop an interest in them, giving them a worldview like no other. Even graphic novels (comics) that many people hold prejudice that they are not books provide you a world view in a totally different way.
7. Makes Reading a Joy, Not a Chore
At this point, it is understood that reading books aloud develops your child’s interest in reading. This interest turns into passion, and they become fond collectors of books later in life. It makes reading more fun and enjoyable, like reading books should be.
8. Builds Background Knowledge – Instrumental in Research Work
Reading aloud exposes children to a wide range of topics, ideas, and information that they might not encounter otherwise. This builds their background knowledge, which is like creating a foundation for future learning. The more they know about the world, the easier it is for them to understand new concepts and make connections.
This becomes incredibly valuable as they progress through school and start doing research projects. They’ll have a richer context to draw upon.
9. Mentally Healthy Brain – Prevents From Mental Disabilities
Reading aloud with a loved one is amazing for a child’s mental and emotional health. It makes them feel calm, safe, and connected, especially with a good routine. While it can’t prevent things like ADHD or autism, reading together can really help kids who already have those challenges.
It builds strong family bonds, creating a loving and supportive environment. Those shared story times become happy memories, boosting a child’s sense of security. They also cherish them later in their lives when they grow up.
10. Unlocks Emotional Intelligence – Understanding and Managing Feelings
Sharing stories that explore a range of human emotions helps children develop their own emotional intelligence. When you read about characters experiencing joy, sadness, anger, fear, and love, and you discuss those feelings with your child, you’re helping them understand and manage their own emotions. It’s a powerful way to build empathy and social skills.
Melanie Crumpton – An Advocate of Book Reading in Children
Do you want your child to pursue their dreams by reading books and be the best version of themselves in the future? If so, you have met the right person. Melanie is a passionate storyteller, writer, and advocate for the power of dreams.
She is also an advocate of imagination and how your thoughts become things. Growing up surrounded by books of tales and adventures, she discovered the power of believing in oneself early on. Melanie believes that everyone has the potential to achieve their dreams, and with a sprinkle of creativity and a dash of determination, anything is possible.
If you are interested in letting your little fellas achieve the best they can, buy “Think and Grow Your Dreams” at https://www.amazon.com/Think-Grow-Dreams-Melanie-Crumpton/dp/1966468083/. Cheers!
