Reading is an everyday activity that occurs countless times throughout the day. Whether it’s a book, a street sign, or a map, reading is deeply ingrained in our society. Many adults check their cell phones multiple times a day, and students often use iPads or Chromebooks provided by schools, which deliver large amounts of information. Much of this information comes in the form of written messages that require reading to understand.
Reading is a vital aspect of education and an important part of child development. Reading aloud to children helps build vocabulary, strengthen language skills, and improve listening abilities. Engaging children in reading by asking them to identify or say certain words encourages visual recognition and increases speech capability. Beyond the academic benefits, reading also contributes to emotional and social development. Through stories, children can imagine how characters feel in different situations, opening the door to meaningful conversations about handling similar experiences in real life. Reading can also serve as a gentle way to introduce more challenging topics, giving children the language and context they need to express their thoughts and emotions.
While reading aloud to children is an important part of development, encouraging your child to read on their own is also key. Whether reading aloud or silently, independent reading strengthens language and vocabulary skills like being read to does. It can also encourage independence and confidence in the child to be able to read on their own. We are grateful to be able to provide access to books while students are at the center. There are also multiple community resources like local libraries that allow for free multi-week book loans in both online and physical formats.
The Child Mind Institute has an in-depth article on the importance of reading to children and the benefits of doing so.