Little Brown Bear, Asterix or Harry Potter … Reading stories to children every day and from an early age would be a public health practice. It would reduce the risk of illiteracy and help children approach reading and writing more calmly according to recommendations published by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It would also create stronger family ties.
Reading limits the risk of illiteracy
Scientific research has shown that children cradled daily by readinghave a head start when it comes to literacy. “Children whose parents do not read, hear fewer words, and therefore know less”. They therefore apprehend reading and writing with more difficulty.
“Regular reading also stimulates social and emotional development and intellectual curiosity even in an infant,” says Dr. Pamela Haute, study author and director of the Pediatric Center at Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence.
But this good habit should also continue when children get older, even if they can read. “In fact, parents can help their offspring to read more complex books and improve their understanding,” says the researcher. On the other hand for don’t disgust them, it is essential to choose works that will not leave the little listeners indifferent.
“The objectives of this recommendation are to help parents fight against the illiteracy of their children and facilitate the entry of children into the school system” explains Dr Pamela Haute.
Daily reading is scarce in homes
But the study also found that less than half of parents read stories to their children every day. And this figure has not changed since 2003. Yet the stakes are high. Each year, more than one in three American children take their first steps in kindergarten without the language skills they need to learn to read. A handicap difficult to recover and which will follow him throughout his schooling.
“If parents are at the heart of the education problem, the fight against illiteracy should also be taught to future pediatricians” concludes Dr Pamela Haute in his recommendations.