Did you know that reading consistently to children — even just 20 minutes a day — from birth, has been proven to benefit babies in multiple areas of development?
According to research, reading early to children gives them an important advantage by:
- Strengthening the child–caregiver bond, fostering emotional security and attachment.
- Stimulating brain development, particularly in the regions of the brain responsible for language and literacy.
- Building oral language and vocabulary skills, which lay the foundation for future learning and success in school.
When a caregiver spends time interacting with a book — pointing at pictures, naming objects, or responding to a baby’s sounds — the child’s brain is making new connections and learning. These interactions help wire the brain for communication, attention, and understanding.
In this age of technology, a book remains the more powerful tool for connection. Sitting together with a physical book — turning pages, seeing pictures, hearing a familiar voice — provides a physical experience that deepens the bond between child and caregiver and nurtures a lifelong love of reading.
Reading to a child, even when they’re just a few months old, sets the stage for future academic success. So, grab a book, snuggle up, and enjoy those precious minutes.
By Evangeline Kalanderopoulos
East York-Scarborough Reading Association