Reading to a child is one of the best ways to develop their literacy and educational abilities early on. Growing up with books can also improve reading comprehension, math skills, and communication abilities. Science has also found that reading can extend your life, reduce stress, boost creativity, and make you more empathetic.
You don’t have to wait to get your kids hooked on reading! Reading books will familiarize your baby with textures and bright colors. Picture books, chapter books, and early readers are terrific options for integrating children between the ages of 2-10 into regular reading habits. And there are plenty of titles and genres available to keep your kids reading through middle school into young adulthood and beyond!
How to Celebrate Read to Your Child Day
· Read them a childhood favorite. What got you hooked on reading might just do the same for them!
· Be creative in your reading. Act out the story as you read, make up voices, have your kid play one of the characters, keep a dictionary on hand and have them look up words they don’t know and ask open-ended questions about what they think will happen next.
· Make bookmarks or book covers decorated with hand-drawn art or pictures from a magazine.
· Write a story together and flesh out what stories your child enjoys the most.
· Check with your local library or bookstore about story times that you and your kiddie can attend together.
However you celebrate, the most important thing to remember is that “Read to Your Child Day” is a bonding opportunity. Not only will you instill a healthy cognitive habit in your children, but also pass on an age-old interest that will open their minds to the many fantastic realms of the written word.
Local links for books and more:
Central Rappahannock Regional Library
https://www.librarypoint.org/
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/
Books-a-Million
https://www.booksamillion.com/
Riverby Books
https://www.riverbybooks.com/
