There are so many benefits to reading of children I’m not sure where to start. I think the first thing I would say, as a parent, that reading a book to your child creates a bond between the parent and the child. It is quality time spent that will last a lifetime, an investment that will always be remembered. With my own children I spent a lot of time on a daily basis reading to them and to this day they and I have appreciated it. They love the fact that I read to them because it was an expression of love and it also sent another message that books were an important part of life. So they grew to love books and to love reading, and they will spend that same quality time, and send that same message to their own children.

When a parent reads to a child they are acting as a role model. If a child sees the parent reading and enjoying a book the child in turn will want to follow that example. When a child is read to, the circumstance will follow more naturally that a child will love books, because of the emphasis and value placed on the activity. The opposite suggests that it is less likely that the child will value books and reading if it is not modeled. A child who values literature will progress faster in their reading abilities which in turn positively affects every other subject area since reading is a necessary skill.

Reading books to children helps them to grow in their literacy skills. Listeners are increasing their vocabulary by hearing words and patterns of words, a very beneficial pre-reading activity. So children who are read to are more ready for, and have an easier time transitioning from listening to a book, to reading a book. The opportunity for increased vocabulary also makes them more efficient communicators with others such as parents, teachers, or friends. And being more efficient at communicating enhances a child’s self-confidence and ability to learn.

Reading to children also sends a message that written work is important. So not only will it help them move towards reading, it will also help to become writers. And perhaps one day they too will become an author. But what ever they become, reading for success, will always be a vital skill to have, and reading to children is the start of the journey on that road.