Never Too Early

   Here is the new daddy and baby Ethan. Ethan is about two weeks old in this picture, and he already has his own board book library. Lucky baby. Some may think reading to a two week old is a total waste of time, but I’m here to tell you that is not the case.

Studies have shown that babies in the womb react to sound. They respond to music and to the rhythms of language. They may even be able to recognize voices before birth. And, what have you got to lose? There is no down side to sharing cozy read aloud times, and quite a lot to gain.

Ethan will learn to associate reading with closeness and comfort. He’ll soon interact with the pictures and the act of turning pages, recognizing patterns, shapes and colors. Reading will open a world of wonder–science, art, real and pretend,  all will unfold day by day because Ethan’s parents place a high value on literacy. They want the best for him, so they’re making reading time a high priority.

Even before Ethan can talk, he’ll know the basics of books. He’ll recognize right side up from upside down, looking from left to right, and he’ll begin to understand that the squiggles on the page have meaning. He’ll know you turn the page to get to the next bit. And he’ll associate the sounds of the words with meaning.

He’ll be ready to learn to read when the time is right and he’ll already love the world of learning. What a gift to give any child and it’s never too early to start.