Learn About The Developmental Benefits Of Reading To Infants

By Karina Frost


Reading with one's child, no matter how young he or she is, is a true example of quality time. It helps build a close parent/child relationship and stimulates the baby's emotional and intellectual growth in a variety of ways. When parents recognize these benefits of reading to infants, they should make a point of incorporating this activity into their baby's day.

Reading aloud to a baby as soon as he or she is born is a great ritual to incorporate into the child's routine. This important time spent in the close company of the parent serves as an ideal opportunity for bonding and intimacy to develop. The child has the full attention of mom or dad and will grow to look forward to snuggling up for a story every day.

Even when the baby is too young to understand what is being read, he or she is still being exposed to a variety of words, which helps build a vocabulary. It also makes him or her aware of the basic elements of speech such as the tones, inflections, and rhythm patterns present in the words being read by the parent. Children who are introduced to sounds and words early, are more likely to read on their own when they are older.

In addition to boosting a young child's rudimentary language skills, it has also been connected to stimulating their critical thinking and mathematical skills. Children who are read to often from infancy on, have been shown to speak earlier and have a better grasp of linguistic concepts than those who are seldom read to. Eventually, as the baby gains an understanding of the sounds and pictures, he or she will begin to respond with interest and excitement.

Listening to a book being read is a good way for babies to begin to understand what emotions are as well, as there hear about the feelings story characters have relating to their experiences. This can effectively help materialize this abstract concept for young listeners. The visual aspects of a book such as letters, shapes, patterns, and colors, are also beneficial to the baby's sensory and cognitive development.

A regular nightly "storytime" can also help the child sleep better, and the parents too for that matter. The sound of the parent's voice will naturally relax the baby after a busy day full of activity, and in many cases the child will nod off before mom or dad even finishes the story.

Choosing appropriate books for the baby's age is important. There should be plenty of colorful pictures, simple verses that rhyme, and possibly textures, those which familiarize children with a variety of objects are good choices. Since babies can be rough with books, they should be made of a relatively indestructible material such as cloth or vinyl.

Older babies will start to play a more active role in their own storytime as they begin to recognize pictures and sounds. They will point out and name objects, imitate sounds, and show a definite response to what they are hearing. These early literary experiences are essential for instilling a love of books and reading that can last for a lifetime.




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