Time and time again we’ve heard that there are benefits if you make reading as a habit for your little one. Most of us wonder why? Especially since the little ones probably can’t comprehend a single sentence to read. Reading to your little kiddos whose only response is waving their little arms in the air and reaching out to grab the book. In hopes of popping it into their mouth for a taste doesn’t quite make sense! Or- does it? Well, its time to read all about it!
The fact is that we don’t hold back lullabies till a baby can sing, or wait till your little munchkin can hold or grasp a toy before offering a cute rattle for their amusement. Think about it- parents talk to their newborns all the time, right from the start. Yes, it may be pure baby-talk, with lots of coochie-coos and cute, incomprehensive hi-pitched words and phrases. Still, they do constantly talk to their babies, knowing very well the tiny being hasn’t a clue what they’re saying. However, regardless of whether they think their babies can understand them or otherwise, many parents are on the right track!
The Benefits Of Reading To Your Little One
It is more effective than you think!
While the not understanding what they’re saying part might be true. However, research shows that intelligence and not to mention language skills are directly linked to how many words your little one hears on an everyday basis. Astounding? Indeed! Based on one study, it was found that babies who heard an average of 2,100 words an hour scored better in a specially created assessment test at the age of three compared to those whose parents talked less to them.
If talking to babies does wonders for their intelligence, imagine what reading can do! When you read to your little kiddo, you tend to utilize a variety of different sounds, tones and emotions. All these collectively foster strong all-around development for your little one while providing an excellent opportunity for baby-parent bonding as well. Using books with bright, attractive images prompts your baby to look, focus, reach out to touch, point and even wonder.
Reading to little ones can be a fun and effective way to add variety to vocabulary-building. Babies will be indirectly building on language and thinking skills by imitating sounds, memorizing and recognizing images and pictures, learning and recognizing words and so on.
Other Benefits
There are two things that babies love the most, mainly the sound of a parent’s voice and having that parent as close by as possible. Reading to your baby while holding them is a great way of letting them connect to your voice and being close to you while having books and words. Reading to a child is a wonderful form of stimulation, not to mention helps to keep baby comfortably close enough for hugs and cuddles for the duration of the reading time. Even as baby grows and sits in the cot or bed, reading can still be maintained as an intellectually building and enriching activity until he/she can read on their own.
Through day to day experiences and activities, a baby is able to gather information and is able to understand their native language. Some may begin to utter a few words even before their first birthday!
The more stimulation your little one gets as a baby, the better their communication skills will improve and flourish. Reading to a baby is akin to feeding their brain with words and sounds. It has been found in various studies that kids who have been frequently read to know and understand more words. It is proof those who have not been exposed or have been less exposed to reading. When done with emotions and actions, such as animated hand actions and facial expressions, it enriches the whole experience and needless to say, can be pleasantly entertaining for baby and you.
Why It Is Important?
- Teaches a baby the art of listening and remembering.
- Feeds a baby with more and more vocabulary
- Teaches a baby about the need for communication
- Introduces a baby to the concepts of letters, numbers, shapes, colours and stories.
- Give babies a better understanding of the world around them
- Reading since infancy can impact early learning.
- Fosters social and emotional development
The best exposure to language
Research has indicated that active exposure to language during infancy can have educational advantages and can give a child the extra edge needed to cope socially in the years to come. While flashcards and baby word games with special instructions do have their own advantages, reading to a child sets a stronger foundation for independent reading later on in life. It helps a child:
- Recognize the letters of the alphabets
- Accumulate vocabulary
- Understand that markings on the pages stand for alphabets and words
- Know how to use words correctly
- Foster phonemic awareness
When is the best time to read?
While anytime your little one seems in a good mood will be a good time for a read. Experts advocate a sense of regularity for as much as possible. Hence, do try to have at least one scheduled reading time each day. Before naps or tucking in for the night are two most recommended times for a reading session. Especially if you are dealing with an active little one who does not fancy being read to in the daytime during playtimes. If your toddler allows it, hold them in your lap when you read. It gives a sense of security and warmth and helps them relax.
It is only natural if a toddler wants to be fully independent and make their own choices. Offer a few books to which they can choose from to indulge them in this need. Don’t forget to praise their selection! Pretend to not be able to find an image on a page. Watch as junior’s face lights up as he or she manages to find something for mummy! Your kiddo will also delight in complete sentences in books he or she has ‘read’ before. That’s the power of repetitiveness!
What do you think? Do you think that you should get started in some reading for your tot’s linguistic development? If it doesn’t work out the way you wanted it to be. Don’t force it. Take your time and patience doing it. Let your kiddo have it their way.
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