Ed Decker, Rewireme.com, wrote the following reasons why reading to a child is important.
6. It builds language skills. According to Reading Is Fundamental, an organization devoted to promoting literacy, ‘Children learn to love the sound of language before they even notice the existence of printed words on a page.’ Being read to helps build listening skills and concentration, both very important for social interaction. Reading aloud also familiarizes children with the language of books, which is not the same as what they hear on TV or in daily conversations. Books are written with a more formal structure that helps program the brain to be more receptive to learning, especially in the classroom.
7. It establishes reading as something that’s fun, not a chore. When the reader shows excitement, it enlivens the storytelling so it’s even more of a treat for kids. This fun factor can make it a lot easier for children to accept and embrace the reading that will be required of them in school.”
8. “Recent research into the development and acquisition of early literacy skills has conclusively shown that rhythm and rhyme play a hugely important role in literacy development. This is because children’s early literacy skills are about listening and speaking rather than reading and writing. These first two skills are the bedrock foundation for the latter, and create much stronger ability in the latter if ingrained deeply and early on.”