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Kinry Road Elementary School

58 Kinry Road / Poughkeepsie, NY 12603 / PH: 845.463.7322

Why Reading At Home Matters Home

Why Daily Reading Matters

📖 Reading Builds Stronger Brains

Research shows that early reading stimulates brain development. According to a study by the American Academy of Pediatrics, children who are read to regularly have significantly more activity in the parts of the brain that support language, literacy, and imagination.

📈 The 20-Minute Per Day Advantage

Consider this simple comparison:

Minutes Read Per Day

Words Read Per Year

Academic Impact

1 minute

8,000

Limited growth

5 minutes

282,000

Below average

20 minutes

1.8 million

Top performers

(Source: Nagy & Herman, 1987)

Children who read just 20 minutes per day are exposed to 1.8 million words per year—far more than peers who read less. This increased exposure leads to stronger vocabulary, improved comprehension, and higher overall academic achievement.

Benefits of Daily Reading

  • 🧠 Vocabulary Growth: Children learn 4,000 to 12,000 new words each year through reading.
     
  • 🏫 School Success: Reading proficiency by the end of third grade is a strong predictor of future academic performance and even high school graduation.
     
  • 💬 Improved Communication: Daily reading enhances listening skills, attention span, and the ability to express ideas clearly.
     
  • ❤️ Emotional Connection: Reading together creates meaningful bonding time and encourages a love of books.
     

Tips for Parents

  • 📅 Make It a Routine: Set aside 15–20 minutes each day at a regular time.
     
  • 🧸 Let Kids Choose: Let your child pick books that interest them—even comics or graphic novels count!
     
  • 🔄 Reread Favorites: Familiar books help build fluency and confidence.
     
  • 🤝 Read Together: Take turns reading or ask questions about the story to engage your child.
     
  • 📚 Use the Library: Free access to a world of books and audiobooks.
     

You Make the Difference!

When children see reading as a shared, enjoyable activity, they are more likely to develop a lifelong love of learning. Thank you for partnering with us to build strong, confident readers.