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Read Aloud Together

Benefits Of Being Read Aloud To

Reading aloud together can boost social, emotional, and mental health! Use reading to start conversations or tackle big emotions. Reading aloud together can explore particular emotions that help children learn empathy or even acknowledge, accept, or voice their own feelings. Keisha Scribe, PHD, an early childhood literacy consultant says reading aloud can help people with stress management, hope and resilience. 

(https://www.npr.org/2021/10/01/1041859001/reading-aloud-benefits-childrens-literacy)

Here are 5 more benefits of Reading Aloud:

1. Improves Cognitive Development – which stimulates problem solving brain functions, communication, imagination and emotional development 

2. Increases Vocabulary – introduces and familiarizes them with new words

3. Boosts Memory – Repetition and retention helps overall capacity for learning

4. Enhances Focus – directed attention encourages better retention

5. Strengthens Your Bond – relaxing, enjoyable together time, can also teach respect by listening when someone is talking, or by taking turns reading

(Source – https://www.archwaycommunities.org/5-benefits-of-reading-to-children/)

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BONUS: Reading aloud together is NOT just for our youngest children. Try a family read-aloud night with your middle and high school-aged kids where you take turns passing the book around.  

“You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child.” – Dr. Seuss

Encouraging Curiosity

“If you never did
You should.
These things are fun.
And fun is good.”
– One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish,  Dr. Seuss

Children are naturally curious, like sponges soaking up the world around them. Encouraging that curiosity, can admittedly take patience. But, it’s worth your investment! Being allowed to play and explore their environment  is crucial to a child’s development and well-being. “Curious children are more likely to learn and retain information, and stay involved and do better in school.” (Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/8-tips-to-develop-childrens-curiosity)

Discovery

6 Ways to Encourage Curiosity In Your Children…

1. Explore (travel, camp, museums, art show, etc..)

2. Create Experiences Together (hike, bake, playground, build a birdhouse) Try our DIY activities! 

3. Wonder Aloud (share your own curiosities)

4. Encourage Interest (find opportunities for them to do/explore things they’re interested in; Like dinosaurs? go to library and read about them together, draw pictures of them, etc..)

5. Ask For Their Thoughts/Opinions (and when they have a question for you, ask for their thoughts on it first!)

6. Unstructured Play! (room for discovery builds confidence)

BONUS: Read a book aloud together!

“Think left and think right and think low and think high.
Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!”
– Oh, The Thinks You Can Think! Dr. Seuss