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.