readers are leaders.

it's common sense that reading to your child is good stuff. the earlier, the better. the more, the better. we started reading together before he turned a day old. now we have [at least] two solid 'windows' a day that are cut out for reading time. we spend half of it reading independantly, and half of it reading out loud together. yes, he is two and a half and can read a number of his books on his own. don't believe me?

we even have a book nook:

if reading isn't a regular part of your day, i won't go opening my big mama mouth :) just read this:

- early reading encourages early language development. according to research, babies who were read to regularly starting at 6 months developed almost twice the receptive language by 18 months as those who weren't.
- reading sparks imagination
- early reading increases attention span
- reading boosts memory
- incredible bonding opportunity between parent and kiddo:

you read your book. i'll read mine.

- encourages creative development and musicality
- screen watching makes a child a follower and a consumer. books exist because of the power of human ideas. readers are leaders and producers.
- it creates an awesome legacy. if more kids were conditionned to LOVE to read, the world would be smarter.

now, in my humble opinion i'd say you're a step ahead already for reading this blog right this minute ... but for real - especially if you do have a pint sized co-pilot around your ankles - get reading!

-kare