5 Reasons You Should Read Aloud To Your Child

As a parent, you know just how quickly life gets busy. Before you know it, your days are filled up with extracurricular activities, naps, meal prep, laundry, and more. However, you should always make time for one thing... read aloud to your child.I don't just mean a quick book before bed, I mean make the time to read aloud to your child throughout your day.Go to the library and stock up on some fun books to read as a family and start tonight!

5 Reasons You To Read Aloud Your Child

Promotes Communication

Reading out loud promotes communication between you and your child. As you read, you're going to be talking about the story and more. It helps to open the doors of communication which then leads to your child improving in their communication with others.

Improves Their Receptive Skills

As you read to your child, their developing their receptive skills. It takes a lot of work for a child to sit down, listen, and understand what's happening in a story. As they practice this skill they will be able to do it more often and for longer periods of time.The more you read aloud to your child, you'll notice they start doing better in school and public settings where they're expected to listen and follow instructions.

Builds A Special Bond Between You And Your Child

It means the world to your child when they see you making time for them. They see that they're a priority and thrive on your quality time together. As you read to them, it won't be easy to get distracted by your phone or your to do list either. It helps set you both up for success!As a parent, we've heard it before... They grow up before you know it! It's true. They won't always want you to sit down and read to them. Cherish this time with your children and soak it all up.

Encourages An Active Imagination

While you read to your child they will be picturing the story in their head. They'll want to follow along as they picture what the main character looks like, what their house looks like, and what how dinner smells. Their imaginations will explode with possibilities!A child with an active imagination will dream big! They'll imagine how great their lives will be and do anything they can to get there.

Exposed To New Vocabulary

Reading new books to your children each day means they're exposed to new vocabulary. Every book will introduce them to words they haven't heard before and they'll be eager to learn more. Studies have shown children that have parents reading aloud to them at home have 40 percent more vocabulary than those who don't.5 Reasons To Read Aloud With Your Child

Are you having a hard time keeping your child engaged while you read? Try these techniques.

Stop Frequently Throughout The Story

Be sure to stop frequently through out the story. If you read on and on for an hour, chances are they tuned you out. Stopping often helps you to make sure they're still listening and find out what they think about the book.

Ask Them Questions

As you stop, ask them questions. Ask them what they think about the scene, or who their favorite character is etc. Asking them questions help them to verbally think through the scenes and they'll be more likely to ask you questions if they don't know.

Move Your Fingers As You Read

As your children learn how to read, it's important to put your finger under the words. They see you following along with your finger and associate the words you're saying with the words on the page.

Limit Distractions

Be sure to set up a good reading space. This space should have minimal distractions so your child can focus all of their attention on the story rather than the TV in the background.

"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go."

-Dr. Seuss

Are you reading with your child every day? If so what are your tips?

Read More