by Beverly Johnson

Created on: April 06, 2009

Reading to my preschool age daughter is the highlight of my day. She enjoys hearing the words read aloud and often joins me for rhymes and sings the words. After every reading, she shows great improvement in her own conversation skills. Often we spend an hour or more discussing the story and making up our own endings.

So far, we've read The Little Mermaid and all the Dora the Explorer books. Usually she picks out a favorite book and cuddles up beside me just before bedtime to listen to the book. Lately she has even offered to read some of the text for herself. As we go along, I try to ask her questions concerning the story, like, "What do you think will happen next?" These questions get her involved in the story. Sometimes, I ask her to pronounce one new word per page to help improve reading skills.

She loves the Little Red Riding Hood fairy tale and insists on making up her own versions, to include her pets and dolls. Reading aloud has offered my child the opportunity to bond more closely with my child. We enjoy story time daily and this helps make us closer emotionally.

Some parents will argue that it's the teachers job to teach reading skills to a child, but I would disagree. The primary role of teaching belongs to the parent and not teacher. Early reading skills begin at home. And, there's no better way to encourage reading skills in young children than with regular story time at home. Kids get to participate in the read along of books and poems and add their own input.

Other parents will say that they are too busy to read to their own children. But, I have just one thing to say to that. If not you, then whom? If not now, then when? Each day that you postpone reading to your children is one more day lost. One more opportunity lost to help your children develop stronger reading skills.

Busy moms and dads can find just ten minutes every night to read a story to their children. This will improve the child's reading skills and assist with bonding. If you can't find time to read everyday, then read a book on the weekend. Or, ask your child to read a story to you while you do the dishes. Taking time daily for reading with your child is essential for their brain development.

For me, reading to my daughter is time well spent. I couldn't think of a better way to spend my afternoons or evenings. And, for me, nothing else could be more important than seeing the smile on her face as we read along together!

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