Reading is a complex cognitive activity that engages multiple areas of the brain. You’re doing it right now, and the benefits are a plenty! When young children are read to, their brains are stimulated, and they develop important skills, such as language acquisition, cognitive development, and emotional regulation. Children who are read to also learn new words, concepts, and ideas, which can help improve their vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills.

Specifically, reading aloud to children can help develop their listening skills and attention spans. This is especially important in today’s world, where children are often exposed to constant distractions and interruptions. Thanks, TikTok! Reading can help children learn to focus their attention on a single task and develop the ability to concentrate for longer periods of time.

Reading can also help develop a child’s imagination and creativity. When children are read to, they are transported to different worlds and exposed to new ideas and concepts. This can help them develop a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world around them and inspire them to explore new ideas and learn more about different cultures and perspectives.

In honor of International Read to Me Day, we want to highlight the benefits of reading out loud to young children. Here are 10 successes that come from being read out loud to as a child during early development.

1. Vocabulary development: Reading aloud to young children can help expand their vocabulary and introduce them to new words and concepts.
2. Cognitive development: Reading can help stimulate a child’s brain and promote cognitive development, including improved memory and critical thinking skills.
3. Imagination and creativity: Reading can help young children develop their imagination and creativity by exposing them to new ideas, places, and characters.
4. Social and emotional development: Reading can help children learn important social and emotional skills, such as empathy, compassion, and problem-solving.
5. Language and literacy skills: Reading to young children can help them develop language and literacy skills, including phonemic awareness, letter recognition, and comprehension.
6. Bonding and connection: Reading aloud can help strengthen the bond between children and caregivers, providing a special time for connection and interaction.
7. Attention and focus: Listening to a story can help children develop attention and focus skills, which can be useful in academic and social settings.
8. Love of learning: Reading can foster a love of learning in young children, encouraging them to explore new ideas and engage with the world around them.
9. Academic success: Studies have shown that children who are read to regularly in their early years are more likely to succeed academically later in life.
10. Reduced stress: Reading can have a calming effect on children, reducing stress and promoting a sense of relaxation and well-being.

At LSF, we are proud to support multiple Head Start locations, where reading is not only part of day-to-day functioning, but it is celebrated and enjoyed by all. One of the key components of Head Start programs is early childhood education, which includes a strong focus on early literacy development.

Through LSF’s Head Start programs, children have access to books and literacy-focused activities that can help them develop their reading skills. Additionally, Head Start programs provide training for parents and caregivers on how to promote early literacy development in young children. This can include activities such as reading aloud, talking about books, and encouraging children to ask questions and engage with the stories they are reading.

Reading is a critical component of early childhood development, and our Head Start programs are playing an important role in promoting early literacy development in young children. Through access to books, literacy-focused activities, and training for parents and caregivers, Head Start programs are helping to ensure that all children can develop the skills they need to succeed in school, in life and beyond.

By supporting Head Start programs, you can help ensure that all children, regardless of their background or economic status, have access to high-quality early childhood education and support. Together, we can help create a brighter future for our children and our communities.

Are you looking for a way to make a difference in your community? Consider volunteering your time to read to Head Start students!

Reading to young children is not only enjoyable, but also an important way to promote language development, cognitive skills, and a love of learning. And with Head Start programs serving children from birth to age five, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved.

Whether you have experience working with children or are simply passionate about promoting early childhood education and literacy, volunteering to read to Head Start students is a rewarding and meaningful way to give back to your community. So why not make a difference in a child’s life today?

For more information and to get involved with our Head Start programs, visit https://www.lsfnet.org/children-families/head-start/

Sources include:

1. “The Benefits of Reading to Your Newborn” by American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) – https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/aap-press-room-media-center/Pages/The-Benefits-of-Reading-to-Your-Newborn.aspx
2. “Why Reading to Children Is Important” by Rasmussen University – https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/education/blog/why-reading-to-children-is-important/
3. “The Importance of Reading Aloud to Young Children” by Scholastic – https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/articles/teaching-content/importance-reading-aloud-young-children/
4. “How Reading to Young Children Promotes Brain Development” by Learning Liftoff – https://www.learningliftoff.com/how-reading-to-young-children-promotes-brain-development/
5. “The Benefits of Reading to Your Kids” by Harvard Health Publishing – https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-benefits-of-reading-to-your-kids-2018060614022