Parents sometimes feel there is little they can do to help their children learn to read. But here is one simple but effective action every parent can take—reading to your child.
In 2002, we operated a bookshop in Jos Nigeria. As the manager, I was asked to be a guest on the Home Front radio program on Plateau Radio to talk to parents about reading. I just shared with the listeners what Beth and I had learned as parents. Our children learned to read—and to enjoy reading—as we read to them. Not only did they learn to read, but it was a great time to build relationships and communication with them.
Those calling in were incredulous—“Just read to our children?” they asked. I assured them it was true. I had been told that parents in Nigeria would not spend money on children’s books, but I learned that was wrong. The next day our children’s book section was crowded with parents looking for books to read to their children.
As a small child, I remember snuggling up to my dad on the sofa, while he put his finger under each word as he read. Not only did I learn to read–it was great for building a good relationship with my father. And to this day, I find great enjoyment in reading. Now as a grandpa, I love reading with our grandchildren—yes, some of them can now read to me (as I write, we have 10 grandchildren from one week old to 8 years)!
Our family’s experience has been validated by the National Commission on Reading. Their study affirms: “The single most important activity for building the knowledge required for eventual success in reading is reading aloud to children.” – Becoming a Nation of Readers, page 32. Nat’l Commission on Reading, 1985
Jim Trelease gives more good reasons to read to your child in his helpful book, The Read Aloud Handbook (page 6):
“We read to children for all the same reasons we talk with children: to reassure, to entertain, to bond, to inform or explain, to arouse curiosity, and to inspire. But in reading aloud, we also:
• build vocabulary
• condition the child’s brain to associate reading with pleasure
• create background knowledge
• provide a reading role model
• plant the desire to read”
One of the most important factors in your child learning to read is your reading to them and with them. And one of the most important skills for success in school, work, and life in general is the ability to read fluently. You can help to give your child the gift of reading by taking time to read aloud with them.