Why reading aloud means the world to your child

For 10 years, World Read Aloud Day has drawn global attention to the importance of reading aloud and sharing stories. Celebrated on 1 February, it is well worth taking time again to consider the countless benefits of sharing this experience with your child. 

What’s your child’s favourite story they keep requesting you to read aloud to them? Tell us and we could publish your letter. Do let us know if you'd like to stay anonymous. 

Did you know?

• While 90% of children may be able to read, 78% of Grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning in any language, a daunting statistic revealed by the Progress In International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) in 2016. That means that these 78% of Grade 4 children do not understand what they are reading!
• Surveys show that only half of parents read to their kids daily, and less than 10% of parents read to their children from infancy. 
• Approximately 758 million people around the globe cannot read. According to South African government statistics, our literacy rate for those aged 15 to 34 sits at over 90%, while adult literacy (ages 35 to 64) sits at just under 80%.  

Why read out loud to a child?

Along with the benefit of spending regular time and connecting with your children, reading out loud supports your child's healthy brain development that forms a priceless foundation for success at school and on the journey of life.

Specifically, reading aloud is invaluable for language development and promoting early literacy skills such as book handling and naming, understanding how stories work, recognising sounds, letters and phonics, shaping vocabulary, honing listening skills and reading comprehension. 

Reading aloud also boosts confidence, helps children cope better with anxiety, develops memory and expands children’s worlds. 

Also see: Mom, please read me a story

Among various tools promoted and distributed by READ, the Read Aloud Magic Box sets are vital in encouraging the practice of reading aloud, and all the benefits this activity holds. 

Each of three box sets contains 12 beautifully designed books filled with enchanting, adventure-filled stories. These stories are all set in Africa and revolve around children and animals discovering the world they live in.

They're a priceless investment, not only for building your child’s vocabulary but also for spending quality time with your little one.

Set A is aimed at children aged 4 to 7; Set B is suited to kids aged 5 to 8 and Set C is for children aged 6 to 9. All three sets are available online at www.thereadshop.co.za, and all profits are ploughed back into promoting literacy. 

Visit www.read.org.za to find out more and join the conversations on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. 

Chat back:

What’s your child’s favourite story they keep requesting you to read aloud to them? Tell us, and we could publish your letter. Do let us know if you'd like to stay anonymous. 

Read more:

• Tips for encouraging reading
• 10 reasons why reading bedtime stories should be part of your daily routine
• Best reading apps and programmes for children