Benefits of Reading to Children

Tara Juergens currently works as a pharmaceutical sales representative and yoga instructor in the Los Angeles area, but contributes her spare time to the local library. Volunteers like Tara Juergens, who read to young people, set the next generation up for success through their volunteer work with libraries across the country.

Research from several organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, indicates that being read to as a child, starting as early as infancy, can stimulate the development of the brain. This, in turn, leads to children with better social skills, literacy, and overall linguistic ability. Children who enjoy learning usually have experience being read to even before preschool begins, and develop longer attention spans.

Reading to a child in an interactive style can increase the child’s IQ significantly. Information presented during reading sessions can also serve as a gateway to new knowledge as the child learns about topics connected to the first. Books can also provide valuable social skills, providing a greater understanding of relationships and morality.