Healthy Living
Reading to Kids Helps Their Development
Research shows that reading regularly to young children is very important to their overall growth and development.
The benefits of reading include the following:
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Provides time for special attention between parents and children
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Encourages children's later reading success
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Improves language and speech development
Pick what you both enjoy
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Look for books you both love.
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Ask friends, teachers, or librarians.
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Look for award-winning books.
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Check book reviews.
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Have your children pick out their own books.
Get your child involved
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Point out objects in the pictures as you read.
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Look for activity books that let your child participate.
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Have your child help turn the pages.
Follow along
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As you read, point to the words with your finger so your child learns that the words go from left to right.
Read slowly
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Slowing down the pace will let your child keep up with the ideas in the story.
Help them learn
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Look for repetition or rhymes in the stories.
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Online Medical Reviewer: Heather M Trevino BSN RNC
Online Medical Reviewer: Rita Sather RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Susan K. Dempsey-Walls RN
Date Last Reviewed: 01/01/2024
© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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