Today is National Read Across America Day! (It’s also Dr. Seuss’s Birthday!) Everyone knows that reading is important, since we use it in our lives every single day. More than 75% of all jobs today require at least a 9th-grade reading level. Plus, higher education level (higher reading level) usually means higher pay. But, besides it being absolutely necessary, there are so many benefits of reading – especially for kids.
The Benefits:
- Reading to your baby early on teaches him the basics of reading from a book (reading from left to right, turning the pages, etc.)
- Reading is a great way to bond with your kids. It makes them comfortable and gives them a feeling of “closeness” to you when they can snuggle up and share a story with you.
- When you read with your kids, it teaches them that reading is important, and can also be fun.
- Reading can increase communication between you and your kids. It can spark conversations about things and places you likely would’ve never talked about.
- It can increase your children’s love for learning, and helps them to do better in school. Studies have shown that kids who read more tend to have higher IQs.
- Reading can also increase your child’s attention span, listening skills, and imagination. Sitting still for a story – especially at a young age – is no easy feat.
Ways to incorporate reading into everyday life:
- Set aside time to read with your kids on a regular basis.
- If you have multiple kids, involve the older ones by having them read a book at their skill level to you, then a different book to the younger kids.
- Encourage your child to read signs as you pass them on the road, labels on foods, and other everyday things. Even things as simple as a “STOP” sign can encourage early reading.
- Encourage your child to come up with his own stories, based on everyday life and the stories he’s read.
- Set an example and read or study so that your child can see you.
- If your child has a specific interest, find books on that subject to continue to spark his interest. This way, reading really becomes fun, and less of a chore!
- Use books to teach your child something new, or to prepare him for a new experience (potty training, first day of school, a new sibling, visiting the dentist, etc.)
- Let your child read the same book over and over if he wants to! Chicka Chicka Boom Boom was an all-time fave (on repeat) in our house!
For more ideas, grab my FREE Nourishment Planner, which includes a list of 20 simple ways you can spend time with your kids.
Now get to reading!
I challenge you to read to or with your kids for 5 days straight and just see what happens!
Happy National Read Across America Day!
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