earning to read doesn’t begin in kindergarten or first grade. In fact, learning to read begins during the first three years of a child’s life, and exposing them to reading prepares them for formal schooling. The first twelve months babies start to learn the use of language through reading, and exposure to pictures, words, ideas and text.

By hearing new words children’s comprehension begins to increase. Parents and teachers should read to children on a daily basis. There should be a variety of books for children to choose from that they can read on their own or with an adult. Here are seven benefits to reading daily to children:

1. Increased memory
2. Builds listening skills
3. Positive associations with books
4. More fluent readers
5. Better concentration
6. Increased quantitative reasoning
7. Enhances the imagination

By making reading exciting and fun from the beginning, you will help children become lifelong readers.

Evelyn Sullivan, M.Ed.

Director, Early Childhood Education,
North American Division