Pediatricians often recommend parents routinely read aloud to their young children. Now, for the first time, researchers have hard evidence that doing so activates the parts of preschoolers' brains that help with mental imagery and understanding narrative -- both of which are key for the development of language and literacy. The American Academy of Pediatrics, which publishes Pediatrics, has long been outspoken about the importance of reading at home throughout infancy and early childhood, arguing that it can improve language skills, foster literacy development and help with other less tangible qualities. "Parents who spend time reading to their children create nurturing relationships, which is important for a child’s cognitive, language and social-emotional development,"
the AAP has said. "Start using books early on with your kids," DeWitt urged. "Reading early -- and often -- is important."
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