Why Reading Aloud is Important

     For the most part, we all understand that reading to our children or students is very important and a key to their future success.  However, not many of us have ever had it all laid out for us as to why it is important.  Let me share with you some of the lessons I learned from Dr. Trelease, either through his book or directly from him during his lecture.  Today we will talk about the importance of reading to infants!

When a baby is born, we begin immediately to talk to the baby.  They can't understand anything we are saying, but that doesn't keep us from talking to them.  No mother has the attitude of, "I'm not going to talk to my child until he understands what I am saying." No, of course not. As soon as the baby is born the parents are cuddling with him and telling them how much they love him and have wanted him and are so excited he is finally here.  The baby doesn't understand, but immediately feels a sense of security.  From an early age the baby begins to recognize the mother's voice and is soothed by her words, even though he cannot understand what she is saying.

The same can be true for reading aloud.  From a very early age, a baby can benefit from being read aloud to.  It gives the baby the idea that reading is a fun part of his day because he enjoys hearing mommy's words and voice.  He enjoys cuddling with mommy and spending time with her.  He enjoys the sing-song rhythm of her voice as she reads the story.  He is captivated by the bright colors on each page.  From just a few months old he gets the idea that books and reading are a pleasant experience.  Future activities with reading will build upon this foundation of enjoying the time spent with books.

As you sit down with your infant and read to them, you may feel as though it is doing nothing for them and is a waste of time.  IT'S NOT!! They ARE benefiting from it greatly!!  Remember, in my last post I mentioned that studies have proven that by the age of eight months babies begin storing words, that they hear, in their memory.  So, the more words they hear the better of a vocabulary they will have in the future.  Also, and I believe this is the most important reason to read to an infant, they get the idea from day one, so to speak, that reading is FUN!! Children like to have fun and if reading is not presented as being fun from their early days, then it won't be to them.  It is our job as the parents and teachers to make sure they think a good book is fun and story time is greatly anticipated!!

In my next post, we will discuss at what age reading aloud should stop.  I'll give you three guesses as to when that is and the first two don't count!!! :)  Happy Reading!!