The Read Aloud Factor: How to Create the Habit That Boosts Your Baby's Brain

by Rekha S. Rajan Narrated by Subhadra Newton

Overview

New neuroscience research is showing us the long-term impact that reading aloud has on children, stretching all the way into adulthood. We have always known that reading aloud is an important way to bond with your baby and develop language skills. But the latest research, led by author Rekha S. Rajan, shows that individuals who were read to more frequently as children showed a healthier brain in old age. Parents reading to their own child was a valuable and important part of supporting lifelong brain development. The Read Aloud Factor gives parents and caretakers what they need to make read-alouds a regular and enjoyable part of the family routine. This innovative book shares the latest research on brain development, describes how reading aloud supports language and social-emotional development, and provides ideas for integrating STEAM practices of reading aloud with arts and technology. The scientific insight that inspired this project is distilled into accessible, actionable information for parents and educators on how to read aloud in an effective, engaging, and meaningful way. The key to the book is its accessible approach, which combines findings from the most modern research to provide new pathways for parents and caregivers to support their baby's development.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

“Dr. Rajan's insightful book shows us why reading with our babies and young children is developmentally essential and truly joyful. I hope parents all over the country and world will read this book!” —Eric Litwin, New York Times bestselling author of Pete the Cat, I Love My White Shoes

“Reading aloud is the key to healthy development right from the start of life. Babies benefit in many ways by hearing the sound of their loved ones reading. Not only is there love in the reading aloud experience, there is the foundation for neural, linguistic, and social development. The Read Aloud Factor is a joy to read and full of insight. Dr. Rajan affirms the primacy of early years for a lifetime of positive outcomes. We honour children by reading aloud from the beginning.” —Raffi Cavoukian, CM, OBC, singer, author, Raffi Foundation for Child Honouring

"Reading aloud builds listening, imagining, and reading skills; it also builds a love for books in children. Children who are read to from birth have a huge advantage in school over their peers who miss these formative years. Rajan's book clearly explains why reading aloud is so important to the developing brain. I urge all parents to make the time to read to their children." —Alan Boyko, former president, Scholastic Book Fairs

"Everyone should read this book—perhaps even out loud to a child." —Booklist Starred Review

"A must, chock-full of usable ideas and recommended reads and sure to be a favorite for parents of preschoolers." — Library Journal starred review

Library Journal

★ 11/01/2022

Reading aloud to children expands their vocabulary by a million words before kindergarten, actually changing the shape of the brain. Rajan (Musical Theater in Schools) details how to feed a child's brain with words, language, and interactions. She also explains how to make the most of read-aloud time by choosing the most beneficial books and using technology effectively. Utilizing a takeout menu to learn sight words, reading the same books over and over to increase brain activity, and labeling items around the house are a few of the suggestions given for a biblio-rich home environment. Each chapter incorporates book recommendations, STEAM activities for every age level, and ideas for making cross-connections with art, music, and technology. This work also contains gender-fluid, nonbinary resources to jump-start understanding important topics, such as Black Lives Matter, and it introduces new languages and suggestions for bilingual families. VERDICT A must, chock-full of usable ideas and recommended reads and sure to be a favorite for parents of preschoolers.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940175119320
Publisher:	Dreamscape Media
Publication date:	10/25/2022
Edition description:	Unabridged

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