The Role of Reading in Child Development: National Make a Difference to Children Month

Knowing how to read is one of the most important skills any person, including children, can have. As of 2023, Oklahoma has a staggeringly low literacy rate for adults— at about only 75%. Luckily, Oklahomans can do their part to increase the state’s literacy rate by teaching their children how to read. Below are some facts about reading, how to teach children to read, and other resources anyone can use for free.  

Benefits of Early Reading

Children go through a bulk of their major development milestones before they reach age five. Their brains expand and they are ripe for taking in new knowledge, including reading. Learning how to read during this period prompts brain stimulation. 

Both reading and being read to can have mental benefits. Children who are read to or learn how to read may have higher levels of creativity– and even self-confidence! Reading about helping others can lead to higher levels of empathy as well. By reading or being read to, children can also gain a larger vocabulary, which can help them to communicate better with others. 

Reading Teaching Methods

There are several different ways to teach a child (of any age) how to read. One of the best ways is to begin by teaching letter sounds, as opposed to the letter’s name. For example, when teaching the letter Z, you would tell the child it’s pronounced like “zzz” instead of “zee”. Doing this makes it easier for children to sound out words. After all, if your children see the word “cat” and try to say it like C-A-T, that is spelled right, but not pronounced right. If they read it as “k-ah-t” they get the sounds right.

Using association is another way for children to learn letters. For example, “D is for dog” and so on. To make learning more fun, associate the letters with things your child is interested in, like animals, family members, or toys.

Resources and Free Books for Kids

We at Sample Oklahoma work with the Read with Me Foundation. This foundation was started by Dolly Parton. Parents of children ages 0-5 are encouraged to sign up for this program which gives out free books about once a month. While parents are encouraged to donate, no donation is required to get books.

Public libraries are another great source of free education and book borrowing. As of 2023, there are over 200 libraries in Oklahoma. Most libraries have a policy where, if you live in the county and have proof of it (address on an ID, mail with your current address, etc) you can get a free library card! Use this link to see a list of libraries in Oklahoma. 

Knowing how to read is an important skill for people of all ages. Teach your children while they are young to make reading easier for them in the future. What are some of your favorite childhood books? Comment below!