Bedtime stories are a quintessential part of early childhood, but they provide much more than entertainment. When you read to your young one, you’re contributing to the emotional, social, and intellectual aspects of child development. The skills they gain just from listening will assist them for the rest of their life. So before you tuck your child in tonight, break out their favorite book with these benefits in mind.

Why You Should Read to Your Child at Bedtime

1. Develops Language Skills

Reading allows kids to develop an ear for dialogue, sentence structure, spelling, and grammar. This will give them a headstart when it comes to learning the effective communication skills they will need as adults.

2. Provides a Bonding Experience

No matter how busy your schedule is, you should try to leave space for a bedtime story. Sharing tales of adventure, family, and friendship will give you an opportunity to spend quality time with your child. Their reactions to the narratives you tell may also help you get to know them better. For instance, your child might express much more enthusiasm for a mystery book than a fairy tale.  

And by hearing stories about these different characters and how their experiences shaped them, your child is likely to become more empathetic to the circumstances of others.

3. Nurtures Creativity

A creative mind allows children to visualize environments, people, concepts, and events they’ve never seen before. When you read to your child, it’s up to them to picture your words in context and let their imagination run wild, laying the foundation for them to become a more innovative thinker.

4. Strengthens Attention Span

As restless as some young minds may be, a good story will easily catch your child’s attention. To follow the narrative, they’ll need to focus and actively engage with the story. Students who have practice paying attention will be better prepared to participate in the classroom.

5. Builds an Interest in Reading

Introducing children to books in the early stages of child development helps establish a love of reading. With a healthy appreciation for books, your child will always have the tools they need to expand their world and knowledge.

Are you looking for an early learning center for your son or daughter? World of Knowledge Child Development Center in Lincoln, NE, provides an encouraging environment for children to gain an enriched education while having fun with new friends. Through their early child development programs, these compassionate instructors are committed to helping children build confidence, collaborate with peers, and excel in their studies. Call (402) 483-4769 to get in touch with a staff member. For more information, visit them online.