Top ten reasons to read aloud to a child
- Increases attention
span
- Stimulates the
imagination, creativity & curiosity
- Improves listening
comprehension
- Lays the foundation
for learning
- Builds vocabulary
- Improves language
skills & grammar
- Develops cognitive
& critical thinking skills
- Develops a positive
attitude toward reading & learning
- Creates a life-long
bond with the reader
- It’s just plain
fun for everyone
What the experts say
“The single most important activity for building knowledge required for eventual success in reading is reading aloud to children,” according to
Becoming a Nation of Readers, the landmark 1985 report from the U.S. Department of Education's Commission on Reading.
Since that time, experts have collected a large body of empirical as well as anecdotal evidence that proves reading aloud to children from birth to age six "promotes language acquisition and correlates with literacy development and, later on, with achievement in reading comprehension and overall success in school." And, competency in literacy (the ability to read, write, and communicate) is not only a major determinant of a child's future success in school, but also success in life.
Two of the most important elements of early literacy development (language and cognitive development) are parental language-learning practices (e.g., shared book reading and storytelling) and availability of books and other learning materials.Studies have shown that preschoolers who have frequent read–aloud time with their parents developed a strong foundation for learning and have greater language skills that lead in the coming years to higher reading, spelling and IQ scores.
Reading aloud to a child on a regular basis has proven to be the most effective and cost-effective way to insure literacy and avert illiteracy. It is both a preventive measure and a antidote to illiteracy and is crucial to closing the achievement gap.