Many people ask me, “Why is it important for my child to be reading at an early age?” One answer is:
- Choice will motivate your early readers. Reading opens the world of choices.
- Yes, reading to your child is a great way to start. Even before reading independently, your child can choose what she wants you to read to her. When your child starts to read independently, she can choose to ask you about words. As her reading proficiency increases, your child may begin to choose what she wants to read to learn more – such as learning about African Dwarf frogs or the planets of our solar system.
- These experiences will give your child the advantage of knowing how to learn about subjects you may have never thought to teach – motivating her to want to learn more by reading more.
- Having early choices can motivate your child. This motivation can carry forward throughout their school experiences.
How has early reading helped your child or a child you know?
First publish October 2013.
