Learning to Read

I don't remember learning to read.  Which, when I think about it, is a little weird because I vividly remember the first book I could read all by myself.  It was a great farm- counting book, and the first page had a horse on it.  As my parents own a farm, with horses, cows, pigs, and (at the time) sheep, this book was awesome to me.  I wish I could find it now to read with my own children.  The other book that stands out as an early favorite for me was actually my older sister's book.  It is called Honeyphants and Elebees, in which and elephant and bee decide that the other has the perfect life and find a way to switch.  Kinda Freaky Friday-ish.  But a cute book.

Now, as a mom myself, with a kindergartner who is doing a great job learning to read, and a preschooler who is racing to catch up with him, I am loving the opportunity of seeing how I probably did learn to read.  The school where Little Man goes has a program where the children are allowed to check out three level-appropriate books each week, and the parents/adults are supposed to read those books with their child every day.  I will admit that we do cheat with that a little, as I have LOTS of books for the kids, and I will let him choose other books to read.

I do miss the days of us cuddling up while I read to them, but it is great to listen to them.  Since Little Man is getting the books from school, Baby Doll wants to 'read' them, too.  I know that she can't really read all the words yet, but she only needs a few run- throughs to be able to have about 90% of it memorized and can recite it back to you.  And she totally has the tone/inflection for storytelling.  (Maybe a future in speech?  Guess we will see!)  And the Super Baby can't be left out; he will 'read' by repeating the short sentences in a board book as I read through it for him.  Brown Bear, Brown Bear, anyone?

All this practice is teaching all three of my children the parts of books and reading:  The covers and title page, that there is often an author and illustrator, and what those words mean, that there is a correct way to hold the book and turn the pages.  In addition to the literacy practice they get, there is also the fine motor skills of turning the pages, and the large motor skills of lifting the books to and from the shelf.  An all around great and healthy activity!

And, as much as I love the time that I get with my children by reading with them, what I love even more is the benefits it gives them.  Just one source, Wishing Well, has this list of benefits of reading to children:

1. School Preparation: Reading aloud is the easiest and most effective way to prepare a child for school. And it’s never too early to start preparing them. Kids who are read to when they are young are more likely to do well in school overall. When you read to children, you are stimulating language and literacy skills, as well as building motivation, curiosity and memory. Ever try to skip a page in a small child’s favorite book?  They catch you every time.

2.  Vocabulary Development: Almost 80 percent of a child’s brain develops before age 5. Kids are sponges when they are little. Say a word in front of them and they repeat it. Read to them, and they hear words that they don’t normally encounter in daily conversation. Books build their vocabulary and give them a mastery of language.

3. Education Advancement: The more children’s books in the home, the farther the child goes in school. Doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from, or what your parents do; research shows that the more age-appropriate books in children’s homes, the more schooling they will finish. Period. So get as many books as you can for your children, and watch them learn and grow.

4. Passion for Books: Reading to children builds family relationships, and children learn to love books and reading. Ever want a child to settle down? Break out a book and start reading aloud. Then watch. That child will stop, come over, probably sit in your lap and cuddle while you read to her. Then she will want another book, and another. Look at her! Now she’s learning self-discipline while enjoying a special time with you. All from a book.

5. Stress Management: Children learn how to handle stress and new experiences from books. Stories are a great way to help children transition from one milestone to another (starting school, moving), or to handle a stressful situation (losing a pet, gaining a new sibling). There are relevant children’s books for almost every situation, and they can really help explain things to children on their level.

Sheryl Rogers, the article's author, goes on to state that this is only a partial list of the benefits of reading to your child.  There is so much to be gained, and I love that I am able to make such an impact on my children's learning and development.  Research suggests that as little as 20 minutes per day can have a noticeable impact on your child's learning and development.  I know  that I am seeing this right before my eyes.

Read, read, read!  It really is one of the best things you can do for, and give to, your child!