Fringe Benefits of Reading

March 2nd, 116 years ago,

Thomas Seuss Geisel, better known as “Dr. Seuss”, was born. Over his prolific lifetime he authored over 60 books. You probably have a favorite. Mine is “Fox and Socks”, but not because of my childhood experiences. Its because of what happened to me in my adulthood.

While all of his books featured limericks and other rhyming techniques, you might recall that Fox and Socks was primarily filled with tongue twisters. Over time I found my diction improving by reading that particular book to my sons repeatedly. Most discussions are rightly focused on the benefits our children gain from when we read aloud to them. Rarely, if ever, have I seen anyone cover the benefits accruing to parents.

“Ben bends Bim’s broom.
Bim bends Ben’s broom.
Bim’s bends.
Ben’s bends.
Ben’s bent broom breaks.
Bim’s bent broom breaks.”

At the risk of sounding selfish, I hypothesize here too that another benefit that that came from reading early stories like those in Dr. Seuss books was an improvement in public speaking. Before our sons were born, when I spoke in public, I found myself pausing often. During those pauses, I was looking for words that were simple, but needed to complete my thoughts. My belief is that the simple words like those in Dr. Seuss’ books and others now keep themselves aloft in my mind–ready to be connected–and making it possible to express more complex thoughts more efficiently.

For sure, children gain these benefits and others when we read to them frequently and patiently:
> accelerated reading progress
> the discovery that reading and learning can be fun
> a deepened connection with their parent(s)
> a broader acquisition of new concepts

But to this list, I’m adding (though secondarily) these fringe benefits:
> improvement of diction &
> public speaking

What do you think? Did you or do you read to your children? Do you think it had any impact on your communication skills?

Note: After this post, I found National Center of Education Statistics data showing rates at which parents read to their children.  If you’re interested, please click here.