Most of us know how important reading aloud is, but what’s surprising is how many parents just don’t do it. Perhaps most parents assume teachers at school will read aloud in class and that will be enough. However, after reading The Read Aloud Handbook by read aloud expert Jim Trelease, I realized how important it is to read aloud as much as possible. Trelease offers personal stories and advice that I found extremely insightful. His perspective on reading aloud shows how easy it is to do and the significant impact it has on children. In fact, there’s an entire day (February 1st) dedicated annually to reading aloud.
Reading for Pleasure
One of the most meaningful gifts you can give a child is to nurture a love of reading for pleasure. Even pediatricians prescribe books. A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found, “...new evidence that book-sharing in early childhood may promote brain development supporting reading readiness.” In fact, it starts simply with having books around for easy access at home and in the classroom.
It makes sense that children who have more accessibility to books, are more likely to utilize books for entertainment. The more a child reads, the more likely he/she will enjoy reading, thus improving reading proficiency and core reading skills (minus the worksheets and comprehension quizzes).
In my research, I found that most people describe the origins of their love for books similarly: it transports them to another world. We need to make sure that books are in the hands of children, not for the purpose of gathering data or improving standardized test scores, but for sheer enjoyment. Not only will their love of reading evolve naturally, so will their proficiency in basic language skills like speaking, reading, and writing. In addition, books feed into children’s imagination and creativity, enriching their world view.
Reading at Home
Although it’s common for teachers to read out loud at school, can you really read enough? August House CEO, Steve Floyd, recalls reading to his young sons ev