Reading Aloud To Your Children

A True Education, A Reading Education

Every parent hopes that their child will grow up to be an intelligent and thoughtful person. Educational success is a top priority to most parents. How many parents have moved to different school districts to take advantage of superior teaching, or who drive their kids longer distances so they can attend a private or charter school? However, some, (if not many), parents can’t afford to move for such a reason.

There is an alternative to switching districts or schools if you want to improve your child’s education. This requires that you take time out of your schedule, and that you take your child’s education into your own hands, or at least a part of it. You can supplement the school’s curriculum by reading aloud with your child on a daily basis.

You may wonder, can reading aloud make enough of a difference in my child’s development? Jim Trelease says reading can and does make a big difference. In his book “The Read-Aloud Handbook� Trelease suggests that reading aloud to children and encouraging “silent, sustained reading� is the key to ensuring that children will master reading.

The Benefits of Reading to Your Child

What benefits do children get from reading well? They get increased vocabulary, which helps increase their understanding. They become accustomed to the way words and sentences are formed, which helps spelling and grammar. If you read daily news together, children may form a greater appreciation for history, current events, politics, or geography. Naturally, learning their native language and parts of speech well will help to increase a childs ability to master a foreign language. Reading also helps to increase attention span and cultivate a love for learning. The list of benefits goes on and on.

As a parent or educator, you act as an example for the children you read to. Jim Trelease states that as you read aloud, particularly to young children, the children observe your love for reading and desire to imitate you. This encourages children to learn how to read, if they do not already know, and to read on their own.

Valuable Reading Time is Also Valuable Parent Time

By reading to your children aloud, both you and your child also benefit from the time together. This active form of participation in your child’s education need not be too time consuming. Reading to your child as they play or do chores is a great way to help them learn without cutting into time for responsibilities. Try reading at meal time. Read the morning paper out loud to your children. It is time for you to unwind and take a breather while helping your child advance to become all you hope they will be.

“The Read Aloud Handbook� Jim Trelease, Penguin Books, available at http://www.penguinputnam.com or www.amazon.com

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