Importance of Parental Involvement in Early Literacy

When teaching a child to read, nothing replaces the unconditional support provided by a parent. Even though most kids begin learning to read in kindergarten, they develop many critical literacy skills beforehand, meaning their journey begins while at home. Many studies have shown the positive impacts of a parent’s involvement in their child’s reading lessons. In fact, there is overwhelming evidence that suggests children are much more successful at school when they learn to read alongside a parent since they experience fewer behavioral issues and higher levels of academic achievement. Here’s what parents should know about their role in their child’s literacy activities. 

Parents Act as a Role Model

When it comes to learning to read, you are your child’s biggest cheerleader. Parents act as a role model for their children and guide them through their educational journey. Your bond boosts your child’s cognitive development and ensures they start off successfully. By promoting reading as an enjoyable activity rather than something that’s simply necessary, you’ll ensure that your child develops a genuine interest in the activity. Children are more likely to read for pleasure if they were in a home environment where such behavior was encouraged. 

Better Reading Skills

Your involvement is the key to helping your child build strong literacy skills. Children who had a parent’s guidance as they began to read became better at overall language comprehension than those who didn’t. By working alongside your child, you will help them develop a better understanding of literacy and greater reading achievement. Furthermore, literacy skills lasted longer when parents were involved in their child’s reading practices. 

Improved Literary Comprehension

It’s common for children to struggle with reading comprehension, so supporting those skills early on helps your child become a more successful reader in the long term. Children often have better reading comprehension when they can read the story aloud and explain it in their own words to someone else. The act of rewording helps the child reaffirm their understanding and promotes self-sufficiency. 

Preparation for Formal Education

Education plays a major role in securing a bright future for your child. Studies suggest that kids who learned to read in a stimulating and supportive environment have a more positive experience while at school, regardless of socioeconomic status. Parental involvement promotes better problem-solving skills, regular school attendance and a lower incidence of behavioral issues. While in a classroom setting, children were also more attentive and had positive attitudes to reading exercises.

Greater Social and Emotional Development

Furthermore, children whose parents were involved with their reading lessons had stronger social and emotional growth. These skills are necessary not only in a successful education but also for the rest of their life. 

Begin Teaching Your Child to Read With Stepping Stones Together

As a parent, you play an important role in your child’s ongoing literary success, so be proactive by instilling good reading habits from the very start. The Stepping Stones Together reading program supports your child’s future endeavors. Working with your child for just 15 minutes a day goes a long way in their ongoing success. If you are interested in our online reading program, have your child try our tests to see if it’s time to begin.