Building Children's Literacy Skills Through Interactive Reading Shared Reading
Shared reading is a powerful tool for developing children's literacy and language skills, and both parents play a critical role.
Research highlights that frequent and high-quality reading interactions are linked to stronger vocabulary and language development, especially among young children from low-income families.
Fathers, in particular, bring unique contributions to literacy-building experiences.
Fathers Interactive Style of Reading
Studies show that fathers often display an interactive style of reading
This interactive style of reading is very effective when fathers read by including labeling objects, asking questions, and encouraging children to engage with the text. These activities significantly boost children’s vocabulary growth and reading interest.
This style of interactive reading helps children learn new words and reinforces their understanding of language.
Studies show that fathers often display an interactive style of reading This interactive style of reading is very effective when fathers read by including labeling objects, asking questions, and encouraging children to engage with the text. These activities significantly boost children’s vocabulary growth and reading interest.
Children’s interest in reading is another crucial factor. When parents create engaging and enjoyable reading experiences, children are more attentive and participatory, leading to better vocabulary outcomes.
Simple actions, like discussing pictures, asking open-ended questions, or connecting the story to real-life experiences, make a lasting impact.
Parents—both mothers and fathers—can foster a lifelong love of reading by making shared reading a regular and interactive part of their routines. These early literacy experiences not only prepare children for school but also open doors to greater opportunities.
Sources:
Malin, J. L., Cabrera, N. J., & Rowe, M. L. (2014). Low-income minority mothers' and fathers' reading and children's interest: Longitudinal contributions to children's receptive vocabulary skills. Early childhood research quarterly, 29(4), 425–432.
Families
State of Ohio Third
Grade Guarantee
Ohio's Third Grade Reading Guarantee is a program to identify kindergarten through grade 3 students who are behind in reading. Schools will provide help and support to ensure students are on track for reading success by the end of third grade. The Department provides policy guidance, instructional tools, and the Third Grade Reading Guarantee resources.
Fathers
The Impact of Fathers
Reading to Their Children
Grade Guarantee
Research shows that fathers who actively engage in book reading with their children significantly enhance the children's cognitive and language development. Fathers who had at least a high school education demonstrated a particularly positive influence, contributing to improved cognitive and language outcomes for their children..
The Power of
Reading Aloud to Young Children
State of Ohio Third
Grade Guarantee
Reading aloud to young children, especially in an engaging and interactive way, plays a crucial role in fostering emergent literacy and language development. Beyond building skills, it nurtures a deeper connection between parent and child and inspires a lifelong love of reading.
Increase the Paternal Investment
Paternal investment is the time, energy, and resources fathers dedicate to their children—has profound effects on children’s cognitive, emotional, and social development.
Interactive
Reading
Building Children's Literacy Skills Through Interactive Reading
Shared Reading
Shared reading is a powerful tool for developing children's literacy and language skills, and both parents play a critical role.
New Salem Fatherhood Ministry
The New Salem Fatherhood Ministry is making a meaningful impact in the Linden community by collaborating with four local elementary schools to host "Doughnuts with Dad" events. These gatherings encourage fathers to commit to reading with their children for 20 minutes daily, fostering stronger bonds and promoting literacy.
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