The Surprising Benefits of Reading with Your Kids

Open Your Child's Mind with BOOKS The wheels in the brain go round and round What's your child's favorite book? What's yours? When we read with our kids, we not only help them learn language. We create lasting memories. And we set kids up for SUCCESS IN LIFE. Reading together helps kids: > Learn to recognize letters > Understand that print represents the spoken word > Become aware of how to hold a book, turn the page and start at the beginning > Realize the relationship between letters and sounds > Expand their vocabulary > Begin to develop oral language skills How to cultivate smart readers. Make books a part of your child's playtime and bedtime routines. Try these helpful tips: > Talk back and forth with your baby. Make eye contact. 6 to 12 months > Point at and name things: nose, ball, baby, dog ... > Play games such “as “peek-a- boo" or "pat-a-cake." > Let your child help turn the pages. 12 to 24 months > Smile and answer when your child speaks or points. > Ask "What is that?" or "Where is the dog?" 2 to 3 > Be willing to read the same book over and over again. > As you read, talk about the pictures. years > Let your child choose which book to read. Find stories about things your child likes. > Ask “What happens next?" in familiar stories. > Point out letters and numbers. 3 to 4 > Point out words and pictures that begin with the same sound. years > Together, make up stories about the pictures. > Relate the story to your child's own experiences. 4 to 5 > Ask your child to tell the story. > Encourage writing and drawing. years > Point out the letters in your child's name. It's about more than language Reading also allows kids to: Share richer interactions. Reading together stimulates more discussion between children and parents. Find out about the world. Books teach kids about unfamiliar places, things, and situations. Become successful in later years. Early reading is correlated with higher language measures later on. Build self-esteem. Sharing your own family stories with your children as you read builds their confidence. Create good habits. Reading together at certain times of day or evening can build healthy routines. SOURCES * Cleveland Clinic Children's Duurama E Auguatyn M, Zuckaman. Raating aioud to children. the videnca. Archives of Diue in Chilateet, 2008 JutnP3ZIs47. pediatrica apublicatiana.orgicantentiaari201400/10peda 20141984 achsutandrad.arg