Reading To Kids Is Important For Them… And You

Labor Day is now behind us and that means all our kiddos are back in school. Some of them have been back since the beginning of August. Others have just started. For middle schoolers and high schoolers, school – whether they love it or not – is old hat. But for younger kids, those in elementary school – this is a time to discover and begin to instill a love of learning. To develop and foster a sense of curiosity. And one of the best ways to do this is by reading to kids.

As an adult, we read for a lot of different reasons. Whether to expand our minds or to relax and escape, reading is important. But it is just as important for kids – maybe even more so. And reading to kids can be just as important as kids reading themselves.

Studies show that reading helps kids retain information and perform academically. But it also helps in other ways. Reading boosts their imagination and creativity. It assists with their emotional development and the development of social skills. It helps them understand the world around them and makes them open to different perspectives. Most of all, it cultivates a love of reading. And the earlier the habit – there are good habits! – begins to take root, the more successful they can be. This means reading to them when they are younger.

With school back in session, there are endless opportunities to read to kids. Teachers will appreciate others coming into the classroom, giving them a chance to catch up on the work they need to do apart from their students. The kids will love not only having someone new come into the classroom, but also the story. Don’t you remember how much you looked forward to story time when you were a kid? And you have the opportunity to make a difference in kids’ lives – not just an academic difference, but an emotional one as well.