Children begin the process of learning to read long before they enter formal schooling. Families play an important role in this process. For decades, research has shown that children whose parents read to them become better readers and do better in school. Activities such as telling stories and singing songs may also encourage the acquisition of literacy skills (adapted from Sonnenschein, Brady, and Munsterman, 1996; Moss and Fawcett, 1995; and Glazer, 1989)
Ideas for parents:
Like many aspects of parenting, you know instinctively that reading together has huge benefits for your child.
If you’re looking to add more books to the reading list, get to know your local librarian.Preschool and elementary school teachers can also share their favorite book lists. There are also all kinds of lists online of books to read for kids. If you want to add to your own bookshelf, flea markets, yard sales, and even Goodwill are great places to purchase books very inexpensively.
– Contributed by Theresa Case, whose Greenville, SC program, Kindermusik at Piano Central Studios, is proudly among the top 1% of Kindermusik programs worldwide.
Check out our related ABC Music & Me blog post…and consider recommending to your school!
5 Reasons Parents Should be Reading to their Children