Read and Succeed

by | Jul 13, 2020 | Parenting with Purpose, School

Please share!

by Dr. Kim Grengs, Parent Coach

woman lying on beach reading

Did you know that in order to succeed in life one must be a successful reader? To read is to succeed. Literacy is an act of power and freedom for children.  It creates a sense of well-being for children.  The most effective way to cultivate a love of reading in children is to read to them frequently. Read and succeed.

School Connection:

Did you know that reading to a child daily puts them almost a year ahead academically of children that do not receive daily reading?  Furthermore, reading aloud benefits children in so many ways. It improves cognitive development. As a result, they improve their ability to think and understand while remembering, problem solving, and decision making. 

Reading triggers brain cells and those connections are strengthened.  As well as, new brain cells are formed during reading and reading aloud. Therefore, reading aloud to children creates a larger vocabulary, helps them to understand their world and their place in it, and provides in them a sense of well being. 

Home Connection:

Beyond the academic success, the bond that you create with your child is immeasurable. Likewise, one of the most important things a parent does to positively influence their child’s development is to spend time with them. 

Reading to your child creates a bond of trust and lets them know they are important.  It is a time that both of you can look forward to spending time together. Parental beliefs and attitudes about reading have a large effect on children. 

Benefits:

Seven ways reading benefits children:

1. Improve language skills

2. Increase concentration

3. Improve imagination and creativity

4. Cultivate a lifelong love of reading

5. Awareness of the world using background knowledge

6. Develop empathy

7. Creates a bond with parents

In addition, children whose parents read them five books a day enter kindergarten having heard 1.4 million more words than children who were never read to. Even children who had one book read to them a day hear about 290,000 more words than those who do not get read to at all.  Children that are read to are more likely to pick up reading skills more quickly and easily. 

Fun fact

Board books have around 140 words in print and picture books had an average of 228. 

Seven  Ways to Raise a Reader:

  • Have many books available and within easy reach.
  • Let your children see you reading.
  • Read books together regardless of age.
  • Balance activity schedules with reading time. 
  • Restrict screen time.
  • Talk about books together.
  • Visit the library often.

According to Jim Trelease, author of the best-seller, The Read-Aloud Handbook: “Every time we read to a child, we’re sending a ‘pleasure’ message to the child’s brain.”  How great! What a gift to give our children! Every time you read with your child you are making a connection with school and setting your child up for success… in school and life.  To read is to succeed.

According to Dr. Seuss “The more that you read, the more you will know, the more that you know, the more places you will go.”

Visit these sites for more information:

www.ReadingRainbow.org

www.Scholastic.com

www.Funbrain.com

www.abcmouse.com

cover of picture books - Read and succeed
Pete the Cat books are highly recommended by primary teachers.

INTERESTED IN COACHING? CLICK HERE FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

Join the conversation in our Facebook Group.

Other posts you may be interested in

More Tools For Back To School

It’s almost time for kids to go back to school, and some kids are already back at school. Are you feeling anxious? Are your kids feeling unsure of...

Healthy Tech Habits For Back To School

As the back to school season approaches, you’re probably realizing that your family’s tech habits have suffered this summer! It’s easy to let things...

Preparing Your Kids for Friends and Back To School

As the back-to-school season approaches, you’re probably filled with the excitement and anticipation of your kids return to the classroom. While...

How To Combat Back To School Anxiety

Have you noticed the back to school supplies out at stores?  If you have seen them, so have your kids and they are probably starting to feel a...

Do You Know Your Parenting Strengths?

Do you know what your strengths are in parenting? Identifying your strengths will help you to understand yourself better and learn how to be a...

How To Help Teens Dealing With Change

No one experiences changes in life quite like teenagers! Adolescence is a phase filled with changes: physically, emotionally and socially. Teens...

How To Help Your Teen Transition To High School

The transition to high school can be a daunting experience for many children.  As a parent, you want to ensure that your child is ready to handle...

Don’t Try To Fix Everything For Your Kids

Parents, stop trying to fix everything for your kids! Fixing their problems isn’t helping them to learn how to problem solve on their own.  Learning...

The Key To Making And Keeping Friends

Does your child struggle with friendship? Making and keeping friends doesn’t always come naturally for kids. Your children need to learn the social...