The Magic of Reading Aloud

“No single activity has proven to be as important for school success as reading aloud to a child,” said Carolyn Shelley, Youth Representative on the Prescott Public Library Advisory Board, at a free workshop held by the Yavapai College Teacher Education program on March 26^th.



During the workshop, Shelley focused on the three big benefits of reading aloud to kids during their critical early years:  brain development, impacting future school success, and strengthening parent-child bonding. In addition, Martha Baden, Prescott Public Library Manager, showcased dozens of children’s books she recommends to caregivers of young children. 



“Reading to a child is a win-win,” said Shelley. “90% of a child’s brain develops before age five. Reading spurs brain development.”

Not surprisingly, reading to young kids helps them their language and vocabulary, but it also builds a variety of other skills all children need succeed in school. “Reading develops their ability to concentrate, sit still and listen. Unlike what some people think, these are skills that need to be learned,” said Shelley.



Carolyn Shelley presents to the Yavapai College Teacher Education program.

Shelley also emphasized the value of reading as a family bonding activity. To be able to learn, grow, and reach their potential, all kids need a safe, nurturing, and loving relationship with their parents and caregivers. Reading is an ideal activity to strengthen and develop this bond. Parents and caregivers can also use books to prepare children for new events that may cause kids anxiety, such as going to the dentist, the doctor, or to preschool for the first time.

The public library is a good place to access free, age-appropriate children’s books and attend story times for young kids, and there are other programs in Yavapai County that work to strengthen early literacy. Carolyn Shelley also serves as the Coordinator for Raising a Reader, an early literacy program funded by First Things First that partners with preschools and child care sites to encourage more reading at home.

The bottom line? One of the best gifts we can give to the young kids in our lives is to spend time reading with them. It will help them now and for the rest of their lives.