I want to welcome you all to my blog. My blog, hmm, I have never written a blog before, so I'll learn as I go. I want to use this forum to express my thoughts and feelings about children and reading. I have strong feelings about these subjects.
My parents never read to me; in fact, I don't remember sitting on anyone's lap for any reason when I was a child. I consider myself fortunate that I read as well and as voraciously as I do.
As I'm developing this form of expression, I will include photos, thoughts and ideas of others. These will agree with what I believe in my heart to be important. So here goes---
Reading books aloud to children stimulates their imagination and expands their understanding of the world. It helps them develop language and listening skills and prepares them to understand the written word.
After children have learned to read by themselves, it's still important for you to read aloud together. Reading to a child while they are sitting on your lap creates a closeness and a bond. Cuddling while you read helps your baby feel safe, warm, and connected to you.
Even if your child is an infant, he or she can look at the pictures, see colors and shapes. I believe that you could read the phone book to a small child if you read with a soft, loving voice.
Well, that was easier than I thought it would be. I hope you enjoyed reading these thoughts. Please check back to see what else I have to say and please leave a note with your own thoughts.