Read Aloud 15 Minutes A Day

Read Aloud 15 Minutes is a non-profit organization that is working to make reading aloud every day for at least 15 minutes the new standard in child care/parenting. “Reading aloud is the single most important thing a parent or caregiver can do to improve a child’s readiness to read and learn.” Their newest survey found that fewer than half (46%) of parents read aloud to their children every day, and only 34% do so for at least 15 minutes. Less than one in 10 parents reported reading aloud daily for 15 minutes from birth, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

In an era of high stakes testing and education reforms and revolution, research has repeatedly proved that children who are read aloud to will get a head start in language and literacy skills and go to school better prepared. Developing that passion for reading is crucial, according to Jim Trelease, author of the bestseller “The Read-Aloud Handbook.” He believes that there is such competition for a child’s attention between television, movies, the Internet, video games, other technologies and after school activities, that the pleas ures of sitting down with a book are being overlooked.

This movement is united behind the idea that 15 minutes of daily reading aloud from birth to age 8 can change the face of education in this country. There is an easy way to improve your child's chances at school. Reading Aloud will will entertain and delight her. It will strengthen the bonds between her and you. And best of all it is virtually free, especially if you use your library card to check the books out!

Please check out readloud.org for more information, statistics, resources and links.

The good news for families is that this advice is easy to follow. Reading aloud to your child requires only a book-free, with a library card – and your willingness to spend a little quality time with your child.