Reach Out and Read is a nonprofit organization that partners with pediatricians in order to promote early literacy and encourage parents and families to read together. They are doing incredible work. Children aided by Reach Out and Read enter kindergarten with broader vocabularies and stronger language skills. But sadly, it’s not enough. According to their research, “More than one-third of American children enter kindergarten without the basic language skills they will need to learn to read.” Even scarier, 88% of first grade students who read below grade level will still be reading below grade level in fourth grade. This country has poured billions of dollars into remedial reading programs, so, what’s going on?
You need to read to your child. Yes, it’s that simple. Yet, 52% of children are not read to on a daily basis. As much as you are able, create a print rich environment for your children, and start reading aloud to them at six months of age. Research shows that children who are surrounded by books will ask to be read to. If you aren’t already, start reading. From Reach Out and Read, here are some key benefits to reading aloud with your little one:
- Reading aloud stimulates language and cognitive skills and builds motivations, curiosity, and memory.
- Talking to young children helps develop early language skills, which is the foundation for reading ability.
- Reading exposes a child to more words, and the more words he hears during infancy, the greater his vocabulary by the age of three.
- One-on-one attention from mom or dad during reading time encourages the child to create a positive association with books and reading.
- Research shows that reading aloud is a beneficial coping mechanism for children during stressful times.
A helpful tip, most local libraries offer reading programs for children, and often there are activities for families to enjoy together. Aliso Viejo residents, the library offers Preschool Storytime from 1:15-1:45 p.m. on Tuesdays, and Toddler Storytime at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesdays.
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