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As reading specialists, we are often asked by parents how to help young readers at home. The answer is
always the same… “Read, Read, Read!” to your son or daughter. Then, what often follows is a
plethora of questions from “Really, that’s it?” to a more dubious response such as, “How do I do
that?”.
We get it, learning to read looks daunting! Learning to read the words is a complicated task,
especially since it requires the brain to juggle many balls at the same time; specifically, Checking for
whether the word looks right, sounds right, and makes sense, and that doesn’t even include
comprehending the meaning of the words! But, as a parent, you are your child’s first and most
important teacher and, as you will see, the reasons for reading to your child are many.
Research has shown that the simple act of reading aloud builds the knowledge required for eventual
reading success. Reading to your young child not only exposes him/her to a positive reading role model,
but it builds your child’ listening comprehension while also teaching about the world in which she/he
lives. Reading aloud develops language and vocabulary and stretches his/her imagination and attention
span. Finally, reading to your child leads to reading for pleasure, which then leads to your child wanting
to read on her or his own and becoming a “lifelong reader”.
So, as the world continues to grow more complicated, it’s refreshing to know that one fundamental
principle remains true, and that is that reading to your child is a fun and simple bonding experience that
promotes positive attitudes while building your child’s reading skills.
Melissa Zechello & Rita Greeley
Burrell School Reading Specialists