Why reading to children is important

Reading is a fundamental skill for children to possess; it is a skill for life and something they will need and use every single day. Helping your child to develop a love for and interest in books from an early age not only improves cognitive function but also helps to develop emotional and social development as well.

Not only does it  help with a child’s ability to understand words, it also ignites the spark for imagination. Reading plays a crucial role for speech development and introduces children to the world around them as well as new concepts.

What to read and how to make reading enjoyable

You can read anything: picture books (books without words), books without pictures or magazines. You can also listen to audiobooks or interactive books.

Reading aloud is an enjoyable activity that both parents and children alike can enjoy. There are lots of different ways that you can bring story time to life to help capture your child’s attention and to keep them captivated at your every  word, making it a fun occasion.

For instance, you can put on different voices for different characters, change the tone of your voice, use facial expressions and be enthusiastic. If you are feeling more adventurous, you can try singing, rapping or acting out the story. Using props or finger puppets will surely engage your child. 

It is also important that you encourage your child to join in. Ask them questions about the pictures. What do you think is happening? What do you think might happen next?  

Make story time special. You can read tucked up in bed or on the sofa or a special chair, or in a den. Choose a book about what your child is interested in or will enjoy, or let them pick the book they want to read.

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