Did you know that there is a strong link between reading and early childhood development? If you have visited our Facebook page, you will have seen many posts about reading to babies and children. This is because reading is so important to their development.
Reading books aloud to babies, infants and children stimulates their imagination and expands their understanding of the world. It helps them develop language and listening skills and prepares them to understand the written word. Even after children learn to read by themselves, it’s still important for you to read aloud together.
Early Childhood Development
Reading aloud to babies and to children:
- helps your child get to know sounds, words and language
- helps your child develop early literacy skills
- sparks your child’s imagination and stimulates curiosity
- helps develop your child’s brain, ability to focus, concentration, social skills, and communication skills.
Children are born with a love of language.
They learn words by listening to you and mimicking what you say, right from their earliest days. Talking, singing and reading to your child builds their vocabulary and talking and listening skills. Reading every day with your child helps their brains develop and strengthens family bonds.
Resources
Little Red Reading House is a two-story house in a historic Calgary neighbourhood. It’s a place you can visit so children can experience the joy of reading in an environment created for that sole purpose.
Learn more.
Canadian Children’s Literacy Foundation
Talking, singing and sharing books is one of the most effective and fun ways to help ensure our little ones do the best they can when they get to school and throughout life. Tips and Resources
Early Words program
Words grow a child’s world. Early words can help make it even bigger. Early Words is a Canadian Children’s Literacy Foundation program that connects health professionals with resources. The program recognizes the importance of reading and early childhood development.
Today’s Parent
There’s more to story time than just reading the words on the page. Help your kids learn new vocabulary and develop empathy and self-control with these expert tips.
An age-by-age guide to reading to your kids
Calgary Public Library
Membership is free.
“Healthy development in early childhood sets the course for a child’s future, leads to kindergarten
readiness, and prepares children for lifelong learning success.”
Find an Early Learning Centre near you with opportunities for kids ages zero to five to learn, play, and
take part in activities and games.
https://calgarylibrary.ca/connect/babies-and-toddlers/
Download a copy of this page with the resources.
Resources on Reading to Children.