Make reading to your child an everyday activity!

Many children are restless in their early years, and if your child is one, it could be that they are searching for new ways to engage their minds. From nagging you for extra playtime to making a mess around the house while trying new hobbies, they often find new ways to outlet their energy. 

Introducing them to the world of books could calm them down and amuse them. Reading will allow your child to transport themselves from one world to another. But is this the only reason to read to your kid? Not at all! Reading can benefit your child in many ways.

Advantages of reading aloud to your kid

Strengthens parent-child bond

You can read out to your child by setting aside time for them daily. By doing so, you are providing a chance for both of you to get to know each other better. 

You will understand what kind of story your child loves, what makes them curious, and even what makes them laugh. This way, both you and your child could grow emotionally closer with time.

Related: 8 fun spelling activities to help kids learn

Helps differentiate right from wrong

Storytelling is an excellent way for you to teach your child what is right and wrong. For example, you can narrate the story of the boy who cried wolf to let your child know that dishonesty has consequences. Through stories, you can instill good values and ethics in your child. 

Dissuades demanding behavior 

Research suggests that kids with regular reading sessions with their parents were found to have significantly less problematic behavior. If you start reading to your kid early on, you might be able to prevent aggressive behavior.

Improves imagination 

One way to let your child’s imagination run wild is through books. Regularly reading to them can open their minds up. Stories allow them to think of various scenarios and learn about different cultures and countries. 

Being a good narrator can make the experience even better. Pause at the right places, change the tone of your voice when needed and perhaps add some gestures too. In the middle of a story, ask them what could happen next and let them fill in the blanks. 

Related: How can storytelling develop kids’ language abilities?

Enhances their language skills

Research suggests that reading aloud to your kids can also promote literacy and language development. It can lead your child to love reading on their own as they grow up.

When you read out to your child, you might help stimulate the part of their brain connected to language skills and visual imagery. When they hear new words spoken out loud by you, they might remember those words, developing their vocabulary. 

Now that you know the added advantages of narrating tales and reading stories to your kids, you can put these suggestions to the test.

At byjuslearning.com, we provide curriculum-aligned, grade-level learning experiences for kids between ages 4 to 8, helping them build on skills they learn in school. 

Disclaimer: The information provided on this site is NOT medical advice and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, provide medical or behavioral advice, treat, prevent, or cure any disease, condition, or behavior. You should consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding your child’s development to make a medical diagnosis, determine a treatment for a medical condition, or obtain other related advice.

Source

¹ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/. Promotion of Positive Parenting and Prevention of Socioemotional Disparities