Reading to Your Child

We all know how important it is to read to our children when they are young. It helps them improve their speech and has them better prepared when they start school. I've discovered recently though that many parents stop reading to their children once they are old enough to read themselves. The value of reading to your child doesn't stop once they can independently read. It is a great way to spend time together, increase their vocabulary, and continue to contribute to good school performance. Both my kids enjoyed my reading to them until the junior high years.

So, when to read to them? Continuing the habit of reading to them before bedtime is one option. Our family would also read while waiting at appointments, riding in the car, and at breakfast. My daughter also liked to have me read while she did chores such as emptying the dishwasher. Talk about a win-win situation!

Now, what to read to them? I loved reading to my kids as they got older because the books were more interesting and I didn't have to read "Goodnight Moon" yet again. Ask your child what they would like you to read to them. You can also ask the librarian or other parents for suggestions.

Here are some of my family's favorites:
For younger grades:
Junie B. Jones books by Barbara Park
Boxcar Children books by Gertrude Chandler Warner
The Wizard of Oz by Frank Baum

For middle elementary grades:
Doctor Doolittle books by Hugh Lofting
Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
Mary Poppins books by P.L. Travers
Mrs. Piggle Wiggle books by Betty MacDonald

For older elementary grades:
Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
Pendragon series by DJ MacHale

Happy Reading!