Reading to children

@Anne18 (11029)
April 6, 2009 3:17pm CST
Do you read to your children? Our school did a survey of the reading records for Key sTage 2 children... that is children aged 7 to 11 in the old jounior school system. They came up with only 20% of parents listened to there child read on a regular basis. I felt proud to be in that 20% as I have three children in Key Stage 2. I read to my children at least four times a week and listen to them read to me at least four times a week.
10 people like this
37 responses
@Boofybutt (316)
• United States
6 Apr 09
I'm actually the same way, my kids' schools want you to read to them at least 20 mins a day. We do a lot more than that, and both of my kids are reading above their grade levels. Even when I was working full time, I made sure I took time to read to them and listened to them read.
1 person likes this
@baileycows (3665)
• United States
6 Apr 09
I still read our Bible bedtime story to my daughter, but since she is in 3rd grade and a very avid reader she likes to do the reading mostly. So I let her read whatever she can. While we are cooking she will read the recipe or the instructions. I let her read off the summaries to her moves or just anything that she can read to me. I think that it is important that she reads alot.
1 person likes this
@munhozmib (3836)
• Sao Paulo, Brazil
28 Apr 09
Hello there, Anne! I do not have any children, but I believe it is important for the parents to read stories for their children. I could point many factors on why would this be so important, but one of the main is the reason that the children will usually try to copy their parents attitudes, and, if their parents read, they will also want to read. Reading to your children will get them curious about learning how to read too, they will want to start doing it by themselves, and you can teach them how to read with an amazing speed. Children are really smart, and when they want something they will just do anything to get it done. Therefore, instigating them to read is the key for having intelligent children. And yes, parents should also listen to them when they read, because then they will feel like they are doing it correct, they won't feel ignored and stop reading. Respectfully, Munhozmib.
@fwangaa (3057)
• China
29 Apr 09
i don't always reading to children , only once. i was very happy when i read to children . and i feel quite have sense. and the children is very happy too. they said i was so kind. i was so happy that can get the praise by children.
@Humbug25 (12540)
28 Apr 09
Hi ya Anne18 Sure I read to my kids. My middle boy who is 6 brings home 2 books every day, one for him to read to me and the other for me to read to him. I do this from Sunday to Thursday, so 5 days a week. My youngest sits and listens. I have more of a problem with my eldest, he gets all silly when he reads and find it very frustrating. I give him 3 chances and then I leave the room. I know it is important for him to read but it is also important for him to read properly and sensibly, I guess he will get the message eventually. Some days he is not a problem at all and reads really well, like most kids, he has off days where he is just silly and not in the mood for it!
@camomom (7535)
• United States
15 Apr 09
We do not read to our kids very often but his 8 year old son reads to our 2 year old a lot. He also reads to himself and/or to us often.
• United States
7 Apr 09
We listen to our 8 & 9 years olds read several times a week, and we read to them at least a time or two a week as well!
@winterose (39887)
• Canada
12 Apr 09
yes when my son was little I used to read to him, it was one of the good moments that we had together. I actually miss that now. My son is 32 years old.
@suspenseful (40192)
• Canada
8 Apr 09
My sons are adults now, but when they were small, we joined a First Readers book club, so we were helping them reading stories such as "The Little Engine That Could," and before that, we were reading to them. We kept it up until they would read themselves and they always had their noses in a book. They did not read to me aloud, because I would read my book, my husband would read his, and the boys, then. Except one of us would quote something ridiculously funny and silly from their book and we would laugh. Mostly it was my husband who did that.
@maddysmommy (16230)
• United States
10 Apr 09
My son has always enjoyed our bedtime reading rituals since he was a little one... he now reads books to me, usually two per night (1 fiction, 1 non-fiction) and I read one to him (more difficult one and have him read paragraphs here and there).
@enola1692 (3323)
• United States
7 Apr 09
when mine were younger I did last thing i read to them was the harry potter srries when they were 14 an 12 now at 16 an 14 they really dont want me to no more but they loved the american girl serries an we took turns reading those to each other an yes i read to them when I was pregenat
@Bebs08 (10681)
• United States
9 Apr 09
Oh that is very good!!! congratulations for spending time with your kids listening to them while they read and reading to hem too. There are many parents now who are not doing that because they have no time to do it. They are tire already when they arrived home from work and often times their kids were just entrusted to the care giver or to the nanny. You are good for doing that.
• Philippines
10 Apr 09
Hello anne! I read to my son, he is three years old. I read him bedtime stories. I do it at least once a week. And whenever he requested it. He would bring the book, and ask me if we can read. and I can't say No. Even if I am tired I would still read to him have fun
@suzzy3 (8341)
8 Apr 09
I read to my grandchildren today and loved every minute of it and so did they.I always read to my children all of them loved it and so did I.Sitting on the sette with a book that closeness is wonderful and they read a bit as well.Children where the parents find the time to read do really well at school and have a wonderful experience cuddling up on a one to one.It makes them feel special and they get so much out of it on every level.love suzzy3.
• Israel
7 Apr 09
I don't have kids, but when I do have I will deffinetly read them books before bed. I hope to be a good father, and reading is a good way of education. Reading books is fun, and educating at the same time. I wish I could have some time for reading.
@bamakelly (5191)
• United States
7 Apr 09
I do read to my son but not as much as I should. I know that my husband likes to read to my son once in while. It shows a lot of caring toward my son and I know that my son appreciates the attention he receives. It means so much to a child that a parent takes the time to read or spend time doing some other kind of constructive activity. My son is five years old at this time and he will be six in September. He is doing pretty well with learning to read and he should be attending kindergarten soon if everything goes as planned. My son actually likes to learn to read through our home computer. There are certain sites that promote the alphabet and learning skills. My husband and I have helped him in that area too. My son is learning how to use the mouse along with the computer.
@kiran8 (15348)
• Mangalore, India
7 Apr 09
Hi Anne, i feel that it is essential to read to children during those formative years- it inculcates a reading habit in them and makes them curious about things around them . I used to read to my children when they were young and also tell them stories at bedtime. they still remember those days and have fond memories ...
@jessi0887 (2788)
• United States
7 Apr 09
I read to my son. He is two. I feel i should read to him more often but he is always moving and playing so its hard.
• India
7 Apr 09
Yes, you are right First school of any children is his home. Any children learn lots from his home. He like to learn from his home because he like everything about his parents.
@scgodess (105)
• United States
7 Apr 09
For the longest time i read a story to my children every night before bed. When we moved we had so much going on that we kind of got out of the habit. I realized this and try to make an effort now to read to them at least 3 nights a week before bed. The kids are involved in sports now which i love but it doesn't leave much time for the extras that i'd like to do more often