Babies, even before they are born, can hear voices. Research tells us they can distinguish their mother and father-s voices in the womb. When they are born, they recognize the voices they-ve heard throughout their gestation.
Reading is an activity that bonds a child to its parents. Hearing the pattern of stories and knowing parents are talking to them creates connections between the child and parent. It is never too early to begin reading to your child. If they are read to throughout their development in the womb, they will listen eagerly once they are born.
In reading to babies, you give them a head start understanding the use for stories and this will transfer later to understanding of books and the printed page. When the concepts are not taught until formal schooling begins, children are behind. So reading to a child from his earliest days will strengthen the love between a child and his parents and will give him a head start in his education. When reading to an infant it is a good idea to choose stories with pattern and simple words. Even though this is the best way to begin reading to an infant, it also good to read aloud whatever you are reading. This gives children information relating to things other than simple stories and allows them to learn that reading can be used to gain all sorts of information. Even though all the concepts won-t be understood, they will be familiar with how to gain knowledge. Reading is a priceless gift to give a child. Read to them from their earliest moments and never stop.