Four reasons why you should be reading to your baby

Let me put my teacher hat on for a minute and explain why I am so passionate about reading from a young age. Daily, I see children struggling with their academics and not reaching their full potential. Often, this is because they find it difficult to comprehend what they are reading. This then negatively impacts on all subjects. 

When should you start reading to your child? My simple answer - from birth. Here are four important reasons why... but let me assure you that there are MANY more reasons not listed here.

1) BOND BETWEEN PARENT AND CHILD

Babies (and children in general) respond well to routine and boundaries. As a teacher, I try to follow the same routine each and every morning as this creates a safe environment in which the child can learn. It is equally important to develop a reading routine with your child at home. It really is never too early to start reading to your baby. From birth,  I have tried to incorporate reading into Nunu's bedtime routine. After bath time, we sit together quietly and we read a book. It is a special time spent together. I particularly enjoy it because it involves absolutely no technology. Our lives are so busy these days and overrun with technology. We are continually distracted by extraneous stimuli and reading can be that special time that we can bond with our babies.

2) BUILDING A RICH AND EXTENSIVE VOCABULARY

It is clearly evident which children read at home and are encouraged to do so. Those that read have an extensive vocabulary and are able to write creatively. Their written tasks are superior to that of their peers that do not read. Often, the keen readers are also able to better understand texts and this positively impacts all subjects. They are better equipped to answer questions and have a good general knowledge.

3) DEVELOPMENT OF AUDITORY AND VISUAL PROCESSING SKILLS

With the increased statistics of children being diagnosed with ADD and ADHD, working on your child's attention span from a young age can be greatly beneficial. By reading to your child, you are also developing important auditory and visual processing skills. This includes promoting memory, processing information and sequencing.

4) STIMULATE A DEEP LOVE FOR READING

With all of these wonderful benefits to reading, stimulating a deep love for reading from an early age is of the utmost importance. It grows their imaginations and is an essential life skill. 

Visit my Pinterest board here for reading ideas.