Bedtime Stories for Young Brains

Reading a bedtime story can be a signal in routine that the time to sleep is nearing.  It can be a chance to escape to a make-believe world, or just a calming wrap-up to a busy day.  But according to studies, reading bedtime stories - really, any stories at any time of day, can be so much more.  Children who are frequently read to, and with, from a young age have more experience attaching images to words and stories they hear.  It can help them understand, and later support the transition to books without pictures.  This simple act of reading together is not just an enjoyable time together - it can truly impact your child's learning, language development, and even future school success.

The New York Times: Bedtime Stories for Young Brains

More reasons to read!

There are so many reasons to read.  To learn, to calm, to explore, to escape.  Public Radio International reminds us of one of the many important reasons in one of its Science Friday featured articles.
It's not just about learning how to read the words on a page.  Reading contributes in an even greater way to the development of a child.  When reading books, children are exposed to a greater number of unique words than in everyday conversations.  More rare and complex sentences are features of literature that also tend to present themselves in books more than in day-to-day life.  It is in these ways - among many - that books and other texts can provide what everyday is not.

Public International Radio - A new study gives parents another reason to read to their kids

Great Read Alouds!

Not sure what to read to your kids?

Gain some insight from with the help of Reading Rockets.  Find great read aloud suggestions for babies to third graders, and make the most of reading time with your little ones!

Great Read Alouds for Kids: Babies to Grade 3