Reading is an important activity for children. Reading develops vocabulary: The more your child reads, the more new words will find their way into his vocabulary. Reading allows for exposure to words and phrases that you might not use as part of normal speech. “When you read aloud to your child, you are not only helping to prepare her to learn to read, you are also exposing her to rich language she otherwise might not hear,” states Susan Canizares, Ph.D, a specialist in language and literacy development.

Reading increases attention span: Encouraging good reading habits from an early age develops your child’s attention span and allows them to focus better and for longer periods of time. Reading combats the epidemic of poor attention span in today’s children.

Good reading habits prepare children for school: Children who spend a lot of time reading prior to attending school will have an easier time adapting to the reading-focused learning environment in their future classrooms.

Developing reading habits early leads to a lifelong love of books: Children who start reading regularly from an early age are more likely to enjoy reading later in life. This will serve them well throughout their education and beyond.

Reading encourages a thirst for knowledge: Children with good reading habits learn more about the world around them, and develop an interest in other cultures. Reading leads to asking questions, and seeking answers, which means children learn more every day.

You can teach your child good reading habits and motivate them to read by:

- Reading to them from a young age, as early as possible

- Modeling good reading habits by taking the time to read yourself

- Encouraging conversations about content of what your child has been reading.