Reading to Children: The Importance of Early Literacy
Sharing a bedtime story with your child is a cherished tradition that enhances your relationship. It not only fosters a love for reading but also contributes significantly to long-term developmental success.
According to Melissa Tigges, who is a vice president at Cottage Door Press, “Eighty-five percent of brain development is complete by the age of three.” She asserts that delaying reading until a child starts school is, well, probably too late.
Introducing reading early on can lead to better academic performance, improved mental health, and even a longer life. Tigges also emphasizes additional benefits, noting that “it expands vocabulary and stimulates creativity and imagination.” Children read to from an early age typically encounter over a million more words than their peers who aren’t read to.
With the release of the recent National Report Card highlighting a drop in reading comprehension, the need to address this issue is pressing. The report shows a historic decline in student reading scores, and some educators believe that increased screen time, shorter attention spans, and less engagement with long-form texts are part of the problem. Tigges notes, “The number of people reading to their children and the number of children reading for pleasure has decreased significantly.”
To cultivate a love for reading, Tigges suggests beginning from birth and establishing consistent reading habits during early childhood. She advises that “for the first few years, the focus should be on engaging with children and reading to them, so they can absorb the language. Providing three or four hours of independent reading time, offering books suitable for their level, and letting them explore the library to choose their own books are all vital.”
As children grow, encouraging them to choose books over screens can be tough. However, Tigges points out that not all screen time is unproductive. “We can use technology effectively, especially since this generation is deeply integrated with it. We need to understand where they are coming from and find ways to blend traditional and modern reading experiences.”
How can you nurture a reader? By being one yourself. Tigges suggests that parents should set an example and keep in mind that reading is a form of learning. Her advice: “Don’t stress too much about what they read, just focus on the fact that they’re reading.”
