"Richer than I you can never be — I had a mother who read to me." ~ Strickland Gillilan
Reading aloud to your baby is important to her language development and builds a foundation for her future success as a reader. It's a magic moment when your child catches on to the connection between what you are reading and the words on the page of a book.
Strong reading skills make everything easier in the education world. And if your child becomes a strong reader it will in turn alleviate pressure when other subjects may present challenges. Children take to reading eagerly and naturally. And what better way to spend time together than snuggling up with each other and a favorite story!
A little encouragement of this natural curiosity goes a long way — and your child does all the real work.
Read to Your Child Everyday. It's important to be relaxed and unhurried. If time is tight, bring books along everywhere you go. Even if children are left to explore books on their own, the fact that you bring books shows your child the importance of reading to you.
Read and Re-Read. Be patient and read your child's favorites a few times (or a few hundred), especially if they request them specifically. Kids are new to stories and when something catches them they want to relive it over and over again.
Read it Right. Take the time to read the story well. Children know the difference. If you read without enthusiasm, your baby will lose interest. If reading becomes a chore or a source of stress, it will have the opposite of the desired effect.
Choosing the Right Book. Take seriously what your child tells you about the books he likes. You'll catch on pretty fast to his interests and you'll be able to guide his choices while respecting his tastes. Go to the library together. Let him respond to what he sees and, once he's old enough, let him have a say in the decision.
Build a Home Library. Think about collecting the classics; you might even rediscover a yearning in yourself for a long lost favorite. Give books a place of honor in your home. Teach your children to respect them and care for them.
All you have to do is read!
➡️ Return to Macaroni Baby: A Very Special Edition
