Reading to Children: 10 Good Reasons Why

 Many people look at you in horror when you suggest turning off the tv. For mums especially, tv is often a synonym for ‘sanity saver’.  When you can’t stand the noise another minute, put the tv on and you have instant peace!!! What mum doesn’t get that? And who would give that up?

However, as I’ve already said, the less the tv , the better the student. 

So, what to do if you take the plunge and employ the ‘off’ button?

First and foremost, read to your kids.

I would like to suggest ten good reasons why reading to kids is so wonderful.

1.  Reading aloud to children lengthens their attention span

2. It teaches them to listen carefully and focus on the speaker.
3. It improves vocabulary and understanding of language structure (grammar)
4. It ignites the imagination (as all the pictures are in their own head)
5. Modeling great expression and ‘fun voices’ teaches children how to read aloud well too
6. Reading well chosen books gives them an appetite to be independent readers
7. Reading to children before bed slows down their bodies, drains off the adrenalin and prepares them for sleep, often taking happy dreams with them.
8. Reading good books aloud can lead to good discussions afterwards (about plot, themes, values,  meaning of events and characters portrayed.)
9. It is just plain good fun watching children go wide-eyed with excitement when you read adventure, burst into giggles when they ‘catch’ clever humour or go all misty when the hero is hurt.
10. Well chosen stories are a very effective means of teaching values.

I could go on and on about no.10, but will save it for the next blog.

But for now, turn off the tv, get a library card, have a look at www.kidsread.com/lists  for lists of age-appropriate children’s classics, and get ready for making memories AND top students.