The time a child spends with a parent or caregiver reading stories or just looking at books is valuable in several ways. Being physically close benefits children by making them feel valued and fostering a strong relationship. The act of focusing on a shared experience also fosters connection between child and adult. The language and conversation that is shared supports learning and increased language skills for the child. Don’t be afraid to use ‘big words’. When children are allowed to interact, by pointing to pictures or being asked questions by the adult, a feeling of acceptance and importance begins to develop.

In the photo above, my dad and older brother are exploring what looks like a magazine (likely a hunting magazine). Does it matter that it’s not a storybook, appropriate for a three year old? Not really. As long as the content and pictures are not too graphic or violent. And, if you’re thinking that a hunting magazine might have been a bad choice…think again. Where we grew up, and how my dad grew up, hunting and fishing were a part of our life. Anything my dad and granddaddy hunted and subsequently brought home ended up on the table for dinner. So, a hunting magazine would have been a normal item of reading material in our home (a cultural norm).

A few days ago, my four year old niece and her parents came for a visit. While we were out I watched her point to words on a plaque and then gesture for her mom to join her. Her mom crouched beside her and pointed to the words, reading each one. My niece then did the same. Later that day, I observed her do the same thing with her dad. What I noticed is that she felt comfortable practicing reading on her own and just as comfortable asking her parents to help her. I believe these beautiful interactions are strongly connected to and likely a result of their frequent story time sessions that began at infancy.

It’s not all about reading and language literacy, though. Relationships and building emotional literacy, I believe, are the keys to success in life- whatever that may mean to you. Reading to children is just one (a big one) important act toward helping develop strong relationships. So, sit back, grab a book and start connecting!

For more information on social-emotional development (aka: relationships and emotional literacy), check out the Center on the Social and Emotional  Foundations for Early Learning. The site has resources for parents and educators, and is a wealth of knowledge. If you want help navigating it, just let me know!