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In this episode, pediatric speech-language pathologist Joanne W. Cazeau highlights the incredible impact of reading to children daily and explains how daily reading strengthens vocabulary, fuels imagination, and supports social and cognitive development. She also offers expert tips for selecting books for children under five and emphasizes the importance of fostering a love for reading that lasts a lifetime.
Key Takeaways
Daily reading exposure can introduce children to over 290,000 extra words by their fifth birthday.
Compared to children who are not read to regularly, those who are read to daily hear significantly more words.
Reading daily helps build a strong vocabulary foundation, which is crucial for growth and learning.
Expert Tips for Choosing Books for Young Children
Look for books with vibrant, engaging pictures that are simple and not too busy to avoid overwhelming children.
Choose books with straightforward storylines that are easy for children to follow, including wordless picture books.
Books with songs, rhymes, and repeated text help children anticipate and participate in the story, building their memory and rhythm.
Interactive and sensory books with features like flaps, textures, and patterns make reading more engaging and enjoyable for children.
Action items
Choose engaging picture books with simple storylines for your child.
Look for books with songs, rhymes, and repeated text to help build your child's memory and rhythm.
Choose interactive and sensory books with features like flaps and textures to make reading more engaging.
Choose books that match your child's unique interests to encourage them to dive into reading.
Knowing where to start and what books to buy for your child’s age and developmental skills can be overwhelming. Need some inspiration? Check out my favorite books!
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