There are many at-home activities that can help supplement in-class learning. Though, one of the best ways to help children succeed in academics is to read out loud with them. The simple activity might seem passive, yet research has shown this is an important means to boost brain development.
More reasons to consider reading with your child:
- Reading together fosters feeling loved. By cuddling up to read together allows you to bond with your child. This simple activity supports well-being by showing your child attention and allows children to feel loved and supported.
- Listening to a story encourages imagination and builds listening skills.
- Is your child nervous about transitioning into a new school or experiencing a new activity? Listening to stories about their upcoming event can help children anticipate and prepare for their upcoming challenge. It allows them to ask questions and consider new ways to think about the unknown activity.
Ideas to incorporate reading into your day:
- Try to find time once a day to read out loud with your child. Have multiple children? Reading with one child at a time is great, but children will also benefit from listening to a story together. Younger children can listen and ask questions when listening to a more complex story, while older children can help read favourites to their younger siblings.
- Place books within reachable distance. The more books are around children, the more likely a child will pick one up, or you can grab one to read together. Toss a bag of books and flashlights in the car for those evening rides home from extracurricular activities.
- Make it part of your routine. Reading is an excellent way to relax and calm down for the evening. Incorporate reading together in your bedtime routine. Perhaps your family are early risers? Before the rest of the world is up, use these early moments to start the day relaxed with a book.