As someone who grew up reading such wonderful books like Charlotte’s Web, BFG (Big Friendly Giant), Where the Wild Things Are, Anne of Green Gables, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Harry Potter (confession: I read as an adult), or any Berenstain Bears book, my love of reading stayed with me into adulthood. Even now, I would prefer to read than watch TV any day. When I was pregnant, I hoped my child would share that same love of reading. To my surprise and delight, she is developing a love of books equal to my own! Don’t have an avid reader yet? Did you know how reading can benefit your child?
According to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA), reading to your kids, or them reading independently, has many benefits. Here are just a few:
- “reading exerts a positive effect on the developing brain” of children (even for those littles who can’t read yet!)
- kids who are read to regularly when they are little develop stronger relationships with their parents (LOVE)
- reading helps older kids and teenagers develop stronger social skills, vocabulary and writing skills
- reading helps kids to expand their knowledge building skills overall
- kids who read fiction are better able to understand their own emotions as well as others (aka empathy)
There are a plethora of events around Atlanta to get kids excited about reading. I’ve listed some below, but check out your local library events as well.
- Atlanta-Fulton Public Libary Events
- 3/1: Read Across America Day @ Buckhead Library
- 3/1: Dr. Seuss Birthday @ Ocee Branch Library
- 3/1: Read Across America @ Adamsville-Collier Heights Branch Library
- 3/1: Read Across America Storytime @ Martin Luther King Jr. Library
- 3/2: Friends of the Alpharetta Library Book Sale @ Alpharetta Branch Library
- 3/2: Friends of the Ponce Library Book Sale @ Ponce de Leon Branch Library
- 3/2: Hooray for Dr. Seuss @ Northwest Branch at Scott’s Crossing
- 3/2: Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss! @ Metropolitan Branch Library
- Cobb County Library Events
- 3/2: Read Across America: Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss @ Powder Springs Library
- Children’s Museum of Atlanta: Dr. Seuss’ Birthday Celebration (3/2)
If you can’t attend an event, but want to find some great reading material for your kiddos, check out this Today Show article that lists the best children’s books by age ranges, from infant and baby to 12 years old.
What books did you love as a child? What are your kids’ favorite books at the moment? List them for other moms here!
