Getting Our Kids Reading: A Celebration of National Reading Month!

March is National Reading Month! There are many benefits to reading to your children as they grow. Just 15 minutes of reading together every day can make a huge difference in your child’s future. Let’s explore the importance of reading and how you can make it part of your day with your children.

Why Reading Together Matters

The American Academy of Pediatrics states, children who are read to regularly have stronger language skills and do better when they start school.

Dr. John Hutton, a researcher at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, found that children who are read to have more activity in the parts of their brain that help with understanding words and creating images in their mind which helps them become better readers later on.

Starting Early Makes a Big Difference

You might think babies are too young for books, but that’s not true! The American Academy of Pediatrics says you can start reading to your baby from the day they are born. Babies love hearing your voice and looking at pictures helps their eyes learn to focus.

By age 3, children who are read to regularly know about 1,000 more words than children who aren’t read to. This head start helps them throughout their school years.

Easy Ways to Read with Your Child

Here are some simple tips to make reading a part of the time you spend with your children:

• Make reading a part of your daily routine, like at bedtime.
• Let your child choose the books you read with them.
• Ask questions about the story and pictures.
• Use different voices for different characters to keep reading fun.
• Don’t worry if your child asks to read the same book many times – repetition helps when learning.

What to Do If Reading Is Hard for You

Some parents find reading difficult themselves. That’s okay! You can:

• Tell stories from picture books
• Visit your local library for help finding easy-to-read books
• Ask librarians about story time programs
• Listen to audio books together

Why Every Minute Counts

Research from the National Education Association shows that just 15 minutes of reading each day can improve your child’s success in school. Children who read or are read to for this amount of time typically score better on tests and are more likely to graduate from high school.

Getting Free Books and Help

Your local library is a wonderful resource for free books and reading programs. Many libraries also offer:

• Free library cards for adults and children
• Discounted book sales
• Story time sessions
• Summer reading programs
• Reading help for parents

How is CompleteCare Health Network Helping?

Dr. Jazmine Harris, a CompleteCare Health Network pediatric health care provider that participates in the Reach Out and Read program, loves books and makes sure parents have what they need to help their children read. “I love to see children get excited when the Reach Out and Read books are offered to them!” said Dr. Harris, “When you enjoy reading, it opens your mind to different experiences, different cultures or different points of view.” One of her favorite children’s books is Where the sidewalk ends by Shel Silverstein.

Remember, reading together isn’t just about learning – it’s a special time to bond with your child. Every page you turn together helps build a stronger future for your children.

Questions about Reach Out and Read or helping your children with their growth through reading? Call 1 (856) 451-4700 or visit CompleteCareNJ.org to schedule your appointment with a CompleteCare Heath Network provider today!

Sources:

• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Policy Statement on Early Literacy
• National Education Association (NEA) Research on Reading

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Reading Research