The ability to read is essential for being successful in school and in most career tracts. In healthychildren.org there is a discussion on ways to help your child learn to love reading. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends shared reading as early as birth. Shared reading is the interactions of the reader and the child as they read the book together out loud. Shared reading can be done individually, child and an adult, or in small groups, family or small school groups.
During shared reading the adults encourages communication, encourages the child to touch and interact with the book, makes connections between the book and the child’s experience, thinks aloud to model thought process, and helps the beginning reader to learn what reading is and how books work.
Researchers have found ample evidence that shared reading is very helpful in developing rich language interactions in the home and help with having a successful school achievement.
Some parents begin reading to their babies before they are born. There is good evidence that babies can hear and can recognize the primary language of their mother. When parents read to their babies in any language there is bonding between parent and child and an increased sense of security for the baby. Books with repetition, rhymes and a regular rhythm helps babies learn how words sound. Reading with enthusiasm helps babies learn about body language and communication.
Parents can talk about what is happening on the pages. Even before children are able to read the words on the page, they can develop skills to “read” illustrations! What do they see happening in the pictures? Lingering longer on the page to look a specific details develops observational skills. At a critical moments in the story, pause and ask what the child thinks will happen next? Can they think of a different ending?
When books are a part of the family routine it helps language skills to grow. Books can also help understand difficult events in real life. If a child sees parents reading they are likely to read. There should be a read together time before bed. It doesn’t have to be long but should definitely be without devices on.
A library card helps with finding books that are age appropriate and are what the child in interested in. The library will have all sorts of books. The child reader can pick out their own books. Many libraries have a children’s librarian and their own special section of children’s books. There are usually special story hours for children in both the summer and winter.
All reading is good reading. Let children know that reading is great no matter what they are interested in. It can be fiction, biographies, children’s magazines, comic books or even a cookbook. Having books within reach makes it more likely that they will pick up one and read.
Reading is fundamental for success. Shared reading is great experience not only reading but for building family relationships.
Published 10/23/2024
Sally Robinson, MD Clinical Professor
Keeping Kids Healthy
Also See: UTMB Pediatrics - Pediatric Primary Care