Helping your child mature into a well-rounded teen and adult is naturally a priority. There are many early childhood learning-related steps you can take as a parent to help your little one thrive, including reading to them regularly. Here's a closer look at what makes routine reading so important to your young child’s growth and development. 

Why Should You Read to Your Child? 

1. Increase Attention Span 

Reading a book out loud from start to finish on a regular basis helps your child learn to pay attention and concentrate, which are two pillars of early childhood learning. These skills contribute to academic success because they're better equipped to listen to their teachers, follow instructions, and complete assignments in a timely manner. 

Being able to listen and focus also helps them outside of the classroom, whether they're doing chores, reading on their own for fun, or interacting with their friends. Listening to someone else speak is a sign of respect that helps your child become well-liked by their peers. 

2. Improve Their Vocabulary and Cognitive Development

Reading expands your child’s vocabulary, allowing them to use more words and subsequently improve their language skills. Exposing a child to different words from an early age also boosts their cognitive development, as it activates areas of the brain linked to language interpretation and imagery. Children with enhanced cognitive abilities are typically adept at problem-solving, remembering, reasoning, and decision-making, all of which contribute to confidence and happier, more creative, less stressful lives. 

3. Provide Bonding Time

Reading provides the opportunity to spend quality time with your child and strengthens your bond. It shows your child that you value your time together and allows you to connect over similar interests. Perhaps you love animals, and your little one has shown an interest in four-legged critters, too, resulting in fun reading sessions about cats, dogs, horses, birds, and other creatures. Maybe you love a good adventure story, and your child is fascinated by pirates, prompting discussions about swashbucklers and the high seas. Whatever your mutual interests are, bonding with your child through reading is one of the ways to create special memories you will both cherish. 

If it’s time for your child to enter preschool, consider A Rising Star Children’s Center, the early childhood learning center serving Croton-on-Hudson, NY, and the surrounding areas. This pre-K school is conveniently located near three stations and features four playgrounds on 3.5 acres. Call (914) 862-4283 today with questions or learn more about early childhood learning services online.