Some expectant parents begin reading to their child while he is still
in the womb. Research has shown that a baby during the seventh month in
utero has the capability to hear, see, and feel. Why is this important?
It helps us to understand when to start reading to kids. By reading to
an infant even before he enters the world outside the mother’s womb, he
becomes accustomed to his mother’s voice. Read the same story to him
every day, using inflection and a clear voice. You may find that once
the baby is born, you’ll be able to soothe him during those fussy times
by reading the same book to him aloud.
An infant’s brain, at the time of birth, is a mere twenty-five percent
developed. The last seventy-five percent of the brain develops quickly
and all within the first year of a child’s life following birth. As
soon as an infant is born, parents begin to talk to her. Talking to a
baby and reading to her isn’t any different, so take the time to begin
reading board books or any other book you enjoy aloud to her each day.
Why is reading to your child early important? Scientific studies have
shown links between reading and improved developmental skills. A child
learns either by seeing or by hearing. Because infants are unable to
read, they can’t learn by sight. Reading aloud to young babies and
children allows them to hear the words and learn by hearing. Speech is
noticeably more developed in children who have had books read to them
at an early age. Parents will instantly bond with their baby by taking
the time to snuggle together and read together.
Children love rhyming books and ones with a nice, even cadence, so be
sure to read rhyming books to your child along with other types of
books. It’s a good idea to read different styles of books including
chunky board books, lift-a-flap books, picture books, early readers, or
even a child’s cookbook. The written word is fascinating to a child, so
expose her to as much of it as possible.
However, don’t worry too much about what you’re reading to your child
up to approximately four months of age. Read your favorite magazine to
him. Show him the photos and illustrations too. He will enjoy the
colors and patterns on the page while listening to your voice. At the
same time, he will be strengthening his eye muscles, which will help
him with hand/eye coordination later.
Once a child is about four months old, try placing a few books in front
of her and allow her to choose the one she wants you to read next. This
simple exercise may help you to get to know your baby and what she
likes.
Don’t underestimate the value of reading to your infant, toddler,
preschooler, and elementary age child. He is soaking up his world
around him every minute and is learning constantly, even if he doesn’t
yet have the language skills to express what he is learning. Once a
child can speak, you may be surprised at the way he can express himself
as a result of being read to early in life.
It’s never too early to begin reading to kids, so get started today!
