Story Time

Most, if not all, of us recognize the importance of reading with your child. According to a review published online ahead of print in the Archives of Disease in Childhood, young children whose parents read aloud to them have better language and literacy skills when they go to school. It makes sense that children who have been read aloud to are also more likely to develop a love of reading. The advantages they gain persist, but what I found most interesting when reading about this study was that the way in which we read aloud affected the outcome. For example, describing pictures in the book, explaining the meaning of the story, and encouraging the child to talk about what has been read to them and to ask questions caused greater improvement in their understanding of the world and their social skills. What are some of your favorite books to read aloud with your child?