Reading to Younger Siblings

Having an older brother or sister is important to young kids. They look up to them, go to them for advice, and love being around them whether listening to music, going to the mall, the movies, the park, or simply hanging around playing games. The look on a young kids face when asked by an older brother or sister to accompany them anywhere is priceless.

Another activity which older siblings can share with their younger brothers or sisters is reading to them. When the series of Harry Potter books came out, it seems like every kid in the world was reading this book, except of course the much younger kids who weren’t yet able to read. Older siblings can easily read to younger kids and it’s a great way for them to connect and learn.

For those toddlers whose parents read to them each night, siblings can give mom and dad a break by reading bedtime stories to their brothers and sisters. Reading opens up a world of make believe and imagination.

Siblings who read to their brothers and sisters not only improve their skills, but begin the process of listening skills toddlers will need for preschool. In addition, the toddlers can begin to fantasize about how a story will end, or ask questions about the characters. This also increases their cognitive skills and helps them to verbalize earlier, so that when they reach the preschool years they are far ahead in the educational process.

Encourage your older kids to engage in reading activities with your younger kids. Not only will your older kids have a better command of the language and excel in school, but impart their wisdom to the little ones as well.