Do You Read to Your Children?

Do you read to your child/children? Even though I don't have children, I have always known that I would read to them. I love reading and I want my children to love reading. I also know that reading to children is important. When I was in graduate school, one of my clinical internships was at the High Risk clinic. My supervisor would always tell the parents that the best thing they could do for their baby was was to read to him/her. She would tell them to start reading while they are still babies because it's bonding time and they can't get away from you like they could if you wait until they are a toddler! She would also tell them that research shows that children who are read to typically do better in school despite what their IQ might be. So based on all of that information, I knew that I would read to my children one day.
However, I just read "The Read Aloud Handbook" by Jim Trelease and I am now even more convinced of the importance of reading to your children. This is one of the best resource books I have ever read. It was so engaging and easy to read. I highly, strongly encourage every parent, parent to be, teacher or anybody who has in interest in children to read this book!!! I feel that if more parents would read this book and apply the principles that we would see a major difference in children. I recommended it to all my parents on conference day as well. I could go on for days about what Jim said in his book, but I promise he would do a better job, which is why you should read the book for yourself. You will not be disappointed! I also encourage you to check out his website for additional information not found in the book. Actually, I think these stats might be in his book. But I have found them to be so interesting that I am linking you to them as well.
I hope I have sold you all on the importance of reading to your children and for reading this book! And I hope you all aren't thinking I am the biggest dork; but if you do that's ok too!