5 Reasons to Teach Your Child to Read
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Reading is such an important developmental milestone for any child. Is it better for you to teach your child to read or to let them figure it out when they get to school?
I think it’s best if you teach your child to read. However, I’m not saying you must teach your child to read at home, but you can teach your child to read. I know that’s a lot of pressure! I felt the same pressure when I thought my children were ready to learn to read. . . .and I had teaching experience.
It’s such a huge milestone for any child and you’re scared you might not teach them the right way, you might make them hate reading, or you have no idea how to even begin. Trust me, I’ve had all of those thoughts too!
Even with those fears, I still think it’s best for you to teach your child, and here’s why….
Reason #1 - Being able to read makes school easier and more enjoyable.
It’s ok if your child isn’t a reader by the time they enter school, but beginning the process of learning to read before they start school can make starting school an easier transition for them. Once they start school they are introduced to SO many new things, following directions, social skills, new routines, new rules, and new learning materials, and it might be a little easier on them if they didn’t have to learn one more thing (reading).
For older students, being able to read makes learning each subject easier. When a child can read, they are able to focus on learning/comprehending what is being read instead of focusing on sounding out words they don’t know.
Reason #2 - You can connect with your child.
Teaching your child to read can allow you and your child to share one-on-one time together. You can have fun together by doing age-appropriate hands-on activities that teach important reading concepts. You will create lasting memories that you both will cherish. And you will share the pride of accomplishing such an important life skill.
Reason #3 - Teachers can’t spend enough individual time with each child as they Desire.
Teachers want to help your child learn to read! They would love to provide each child with individual time to help them learn to read. But the reality is, they can’t. Unfortunately, most class sizes are so big that teachers can’t provide one-on-one attention to each child. Schools put pressure on teachers to help struggling readers, so if your child is average or above average they are usually left on their own.
Reason #4 - Reading opens the door to the world.
Children are very curious! The sooner they can read, the sooner they can learn more about the things that interest them.
Reason #5 - Reading can provide a great hobby.
Reading can provide great entertainment. It can allow a child to get immersed in a different world without the use of a screen. You can be take books anywhere. With public libraries, you will have an endless supply of free books to indulge in your child’s new hobby. It can even be a used to relieve stress or anxiety.
