How Important is Reading to Children?

Let’s just start out by answering this question right off the bat.
Very important!!

So many times when reading a novel I will make myself slow down so that I won’t finish the book too quickly…..Living in the world that I can only imagine many times!  It is strange, but sometimes I am so sad when I get finished with a book.

I have read books that have transported me to new lands, new experiences, and the past. Words on a page that are so vivid, I could smell the smoke burning the field as the family tried to save the farmland. Words on a page so incredibly real that I could smell the flowers along the path as the daughter walked to her cottage in the mountains.

As a former teacher, homeschooling mom and lover of reading….I simply cannot state how important reading is…and how important it is to start early!

By starting early, I do not mean “teaching them” how to read by the time they are two so you can brag about it! It is so important to start reading aloud with your child.  I actually started when I was pregnant with my boys!

Stating the obvious…it also gives you precious time with your children. Many of the memories I have with my children are sitting in the bed reading aloud. Each son would pick their favorite book for the night. I will admit some nights I barely had the strength to get through one book, much less two…but these memories hold precious to me. And many times I would hear the words…”One more Mommy?”

Sometimes reading a book in the middle of the afternoon would calm the current chaos of the moment. We would all cuddle up in the rocker and start reading….Where the Wild Things Are was a favorite.

Here are some great articles:
http://www.rif.org/us/literacy-resources/articles/reading-with-your-child.htm

Click to access ReadingAloud.pdf

In the environment in which we live…I must wonder how important reading is to parents? There are hundreds of websites and articles in which point out the educational benefits of reading. So many children I know or have known spend their time in front of television either watching it or playing video games.

We live in an environment of “busy” that robs us of so much. Reading for the sheer pleasure of reading seems to be one of those articles stolen.

http://whytoread.com/why-to-read-10-reasons-why-reading-books-will-save-your-life/

8 Reasons Why Reading is So Important

I am leaving you with just one list of the top 100 children’s books. As I read through that list, I am flooded with memories of a day gone by. Gosh! I feel old when I say that!!

http://childrensbooksguide.com/top-100

Often times you can find these at garage sales or thrift stores. If you don’t want to buy…get a library card and read away! Enjoy!

Maybe you and your child will have a favorite to talk about when they are parents themselves!

~Be Blessed

IN CHRIST ALONE

*pixabay, listed websites