The Power of Reading to Children from A Young Age

We have often heard the saying, it’s never too early to start reading to children, and I can’t emphasise the accuracy and importance of this saying enough. From the moment they are born, sooner if you are happy to read soothing, positive stories to your ‘ever-growing bumps’, the impacts of reading to children are bountiful and far outweigh the benefits gained within education.

But, firstly, let’s look at the educational benefits. Children who have had stories read to them and regularly engaged in conversations from an early age will have a clearer grasp of vocabulary. Their own speaking and literacy skills will be greater than children who have not been read to or had regular conversational interactions with grown-ups. As will their interpretation and understanding of those speaking to them.

This advanced grasp of vocabulary can result in children learning to pronounce, visually recognise, and remember their initial sounds sooner. Meaning they are more likely to move onto blending and CVC words earlier than those who have not enjoyed an early introduction to storytelling and regular conversation. An example of a CVC word (consonant, vowel, consonant,) is c-a-t, cat. They will recognise the sounds of each letter first before blending them to form the word. This ability to blend and pronounce CVC words will allow children to grasp reading and spelling sooner. In turn, this can alleviate frustration and a feeling of inability, resulting in a more confident pupil.

As I mentioned earlier, the educational benefits are only the beginning. Children who are read to regularly can be more patient and understanding and have considerably greater imaginations and creativity skills. And because they are used to listening and being still while they sit, and someone reads to them, their concentration levels are often higher. Meaning these children are more likely to be able to amuse themselves, spending time drawing and playing on their own. But given they will also interact during storytelling, discussing the story, characters and what they think might be about to happen, their own ability to engage and vocalise their thoughts to their peers and adults will become the norm and discussing and giving their opinions will become second nature.

Regular interactions as they discuss the illustrations or storyline, try to fathom out where the story is going or chat about characters can also result in advanced literacy skills and greater creativity, leading to more imaginative children. And all can culminate in greater conversational and behavioural skills and less tantrums and frustration.

Call to Action

This week’s call to action is to spend time either reading to or making up stories with your children. If they are too young to sit with you and listen, then simply chatting to them as you go about your day will get them in to the rhythm that conversing is the norm. Let them hear your voice in soothing tones, this will be calming and relaxing while they absorb your words and sounds. Ask them questions, encouraging them to interact by giving their opinions on storylines and characters. Encourage them, the goal is for children to be able to sit and be read to but also join in with their thoughts. And, as I have said in previous articles, it can take time. If your child isn’t used to such engagement then persevere, time is needed for the new habit to form.