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Reading to Kids Helps Their Development

Research shows that reading regularly to young children is very important to their overall growth and development.

The benefits of reading include the following:

  • Provides time for special attention between parents and children

  • Encourages children's later reading success

  • Improves language and speech development

Pick what you both enjoy

  • Look for books you both love.

  • Ask friends, teachers or librarians.

  • Look for award-winning books.

  • Check book reviews.

  • Have your children pick out their own books.

Get your child involved

  • Point out objects in the pictures as you read.

  • Look for activity books that let your child participate.

  • Have your child help turn the pages.

Follow along

  • As you read, point to the words with your finger so your child learns that the words go from left to right.

Read slowly

  • Slowing down the pace will let your child keep up with the ideas in the story.

Help them learn

  • Look for repetition or rhymes in the stories.

Date Last Reviewed: 8/1/2018
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