I'm a staunch believer that every child should be exposed to books from day one!
Have you noticed how an infant will stare at you as you hold her and talk to her? If a sound makes the little one chuckle, you repeat it over and over just to hear the baby’s laughter.
What better way to hold your baby’s attention than to read to her?
Of course, she doesn’t understand the words, but according to the experts, during the first year of life, an infant’s brain grows more than at any other time. When read to, the baby learns the sounds of language, the meanings associated with words, develops social skills, and forms an emotional bond with her family. Who knew that spending five to ten minutes a day cuddling and reading out loud to your little bundle of joy could be so beneficial?
The best part of introducing books to an infant is that the joy of reading increases as the child grows older. Babies and young children are sponges soaking in more than just words as you read aloud. Their minds are constantly on the go picking up information and discovering new ideas and concepts.
As babies progress into toddlerhood, they’re better able to hold books, look at pictures, and ask questions. This further increases their knowledge and vocabulary as they cherish their favorite stories and choose new books to expand their horizons.
Not only that, but their imaginations soar as our kids begin to visualize the stories in their minds. Parents can help preschoolers picture the characters, settings, and actions by asking questions and discussing what you’re reading together. It’s mind-boggling to hear some of the profound thoughts flowing from those innocent minds—things our adult brains would never dream up.
As kids progress to more complex books, it’s essential that they are comfortable using their imaginations to “see” what they’re reading. Eighty percent of what we understand comes through visual cues. That’s why it’s so crucial for us to encourage young readers to talk about, understand, and genuinely enjoy reading. When preschoolers or kindergarteners can draw pictures to go along with a story, we know the young ones comprehend what they’re hearing.
Come on, folks, don’t hesitate to read to your kids or grandkids. If there are no children in your home, volunteer to mentor a child. Inspire those young minds! Believe me, it’s just as rewarding for the grown-ups as it is for the young’uns.
Do you remember the first storybook you “read” to yourself? Aside from a collection of nursery rhymes, my favorite book was called Cowboy Sam. Sam and I spent hours together making up stories to accompany the pictures. For some of us, childhood was a long time ago, but if you can, share a book that still lives in your memories.
Have you noticed how an infant will stare at you as you hold her and talk to her? If a sound makes the little one chuckle, you repeat it over and over just to hear the baby’s laughter.
What better way to hold your baby’s attention than to read to her?
Of course, she doesn’t understand the words, but according to the experts, during the first year of life, an infant’s brain grows more than at any other time. When read to, the baby learns the sounds of language, the meanings associated with words, develops social skills, and forms an emotional bond with her family. Who knew that spending five to ten minutes a day cuddling and reading out loud to your little bundle of joy could be so beneficial?
The best part of introducing books to an infant is that the joy of reading increases as the child grows older. Babies and young children are sponges soaking in more than just words as you read aloud. Their minds are constantly on the go picking up information and discovering new ideas and concepts.
As babies progress into toddlerhood, they’re better able to hold books, look at pictures, and ask questions. This further increases their knowledge and vocabulary as they cherish their favorite stories and choose new books to expand their horizons.
Not only that, but their imaginations soar as our kids begin to visualize the stories in their minds. Parents can help preschoolers picture the characters, settings, and actions by asking questions and discussing what you’re reading together. It’s mind-boggling to hear some of the profound thoughts flowing from those innocent minds—things our adult brains would never dream up.
As kids progress to more complex books, it’s essential that they are comfortable using their imaginations to “see” what they’re reading. Eighty percent of what we understand comes through visual cues. That’s why it’s so crucial for us to encourage young readers to talk about, understand, and genuinely enjoy reading. When preschoolers or kindergarteners can draw pictures to go along with a story, we know the young ones comprehend what they’re hearing.
Come on, folks, don’t hesitate to read to your kids or grandkids. If there are no children in your home, volunteer to mentor a child. Inspire those young minds! Believe me, it’s just as rewarding for the grown-ups as it is for the young’uns.
Do you remember the first storybook you “read” to yourself? Aside from a collection of nursery rhymes, my favorite book was called Cowboy Sam. Sam and I spent hours together making up stories to accompany the pictures. For some of us, childhood was a long time ago, but if you can, share a book that still lives in your memories.
Come on, folks, don’t hesitate to read to your kids or grandkids. If there are no children in your home, volunteer to mentor a child. Inspire those young minds! Believe me, it’s just as rewarding for the grown-ups as it is for the young’uns.
Do you remember the first storybook you “read” to yourself? Aside from a collection of nursery rhymes, my favorite book was called Cowboy Sam. Sam and I spent hours together making up stories to accompany the pictures. For some of us, childhood was a long time ago, but if you can, share a book that still lives in your memories.
Be sure to subscribe to the Sweet & Sassy blog, so you never miss out on any of our posts!
Do you remember the first storybook you “read” to yourself? Aside from a collection of nursery rhymes, my favorite book was called Cowboy Sam. Sam and I spent hours together making up stories to accompany the pictures. For some of us, childhood was a long time ago, but if you can, share a book that still lives in your memories.
Be sure to subscribe to the Sweet & Sassy blog, so you never miss out on any of our posts!
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