Even though most children learn how to read in school, it does not diminish the importance of reading in the home. There are various reasons why this statement is true, but the four main reasons are shared below:
First, children need positive role models for reading in their home. The most significant factor in determining a child’s success in reading is the parents’attitudes about reading. Parents need to provide an environment for the child in which they have access to books and reading. If the child sees the importance of reading in their home, it will transfer to their own life.
Secondly, reading at home aids children in developing important skills and habits that will lead them to success in school and in life. The first of these types of skills is language skills. When reading out loud to a child, they will be able to develop knowledge about language, context, sentence structure,and grammar. Reading promotes the value of education and knowledge in a child.
Thirdly, reading at home encourages a special bond between the parent and the child. When reading with a child, a parent is able to impart their thoughts and feelings, lessons, and beliefs to their child. That creates a special bond.
Finally, reading at home allows children to practice what they have been learning in school. At home, parents can help provide one-on-one practice on the skills learned at school. The child can ask questions and explore what is being taught at school.
My favorite Defer reading story of the week:
Our Kindergarten children are just beginning to participate in Reading Workshop. One day this week a boy sat on the rug with his bin of books to read. All of a sudden he looked up and said, “Oh my gosh – I am reading!”
What a sense of accomplishment he felt – He could read all on his own! Reading empowers us all!
