Studies suggest that reading to toddlers builds vocabulary and imagination. When you talk with a child about a story after you read it, kids begin to build memory and listening skills. You create a foundation for both listening and reading comprehension.

Through characters in stories, children gain insight into themselves and their feelings. A child who feels nervous about the first day of school can lean through a book that these feelings are normal. Through stories, children can also be exposed to new ideas, leading to a broader perspective of the world. For example, you might not have monkeys or elephants in your suburban neighborhood but your kids can become familiar with these animals through the wonder of books.

When you read to preschoolers, they gain literacy knowledge and begin to understand the relationships between letters and words and the sequences of words that make up a story. Studies indicate that early literacy knowledge can be a predictor of later school achievement.

Finally, when you read to kids, you establish a basic appreciation of literature and help them view reading as entertainment. You start down the path of creating a lifelong love of reading.

Reminder: Be sure to be thoughtful in your book selection and to pick age appropriate materials in order to effectively engage your little reader.

Book recommendations for young readers by age: http://www.squidoo.com/ontheplayroombookshelf

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