When I taught Kindergarten, I read to my five-year olds every day; in fact, several times a day. We would all sit cross-legged on our colorful area rug and I would read. It’s a great way to settle down after play time or before nap time.
I read books to Matt, even when he was a newborn. I read to Sara and Nathan. I am convinced of the importance of reading to children, letting children hold, look at, play with cloth books. The benefits are enormous.
Way back in the good ol’ days, I sold a piece about the importance of reading to children to a magazine which has long since closed its doors and gone the way of many periodicals. Just to show you how long ago it was, some of the advertisers were Raleigh Lights (cigarettes); one introducing Scrunge, a dish scrubber; Rave home permanent. Anyhow, here are excerpted parts of that article:
Most people don’t think of a book when they are buying a baby gift. Maybe they should. Parents, we are concerned that our children get a good start in this world. An exciting introduction to the world of words is one of the most important gifts we can give.
A reading readiness program doesn’t begin at school; it begins at home. The most important people in that program are you the parents and your child. If you enjoying reading and if you take time to read to your youngster, he will develop an early interest in books that is nearly as natural as his interest in eating.
Even though life with a baby is busy and sometimes downright hectic, make time every day to read aloud. Three months is not too young to begin reading to your infant. Choose a quiet time for just the two of you. This reading time benefits the parent almost as much as the baby. Cuddle your little one and enjoy the closeness. Relax. Even though he may not understand the words, he will associate this reading time with the warmth and security of being with you and feeling loved.
Another benefit of hearing stories read is a good vocabulary. Experts have proved that vocabulary is an indicator of success. So, whether it is for your own baby or a shower gift for somebody else’s child, remember that a book just may be one of the best investments in a child’s future.
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