Reading aloud can be a memory booster
Want to remember certain information? Try reading it out loud. A new study finds that improves your chances of remembering it. Canadian researchers asked 95 people to remember written information in four different ways: reading the information silently; hearing someone else read it; listening to a recording of themselves reading it, and reading it aloud. Reading out loud proved to be the best way to remember the information, the study found. That confirms that learning and memory benefit from active involvement, study co-author Colin MacLeod said in a news release from the University of Waterloo in Ontario. Hes chair of the universitys psychology department.
When we add an active measure or a production element to a word, that word becomes more distinct in long-term memory, and hence more memorable, he said. MacLeods earlier research involved how writing and typing words enhanced memory retention.
As for the practical applications of this research, MacLeod said, I think of seniors who are advised to do puzzles and crosswords to help strengthen their memory. This study suggests that the idea of action or activity also improves memory, he said. That adds to existing knowledge that regular exercise and movement are also strong building blocks for a good memory, he added.
When we look back on our childhood, many of us have fond memories of being read to, of snuggling up and enjoying a favorite story with the people who love us. And its not so much the story that we remember, but the feeling of love and security that it gave us.
What happens during the first few years sets the stage for the rest of a childs life. It is a time when a childs experiences irreversibly affect how the brain develops - for better or worse.
Nurturing from a loving parent or caregiver in the early years supports healthy brain development that forms the foundation for success later at school and in life - and one of the best ways of engaging with young children is through looking at books together. Even the youngest baby loves to be held close and hear the voice of Mom or Dad as they read a book aloud.
Our nonprofit literacy program helps children everyday.
It is widely accepted that reading aloud is the single most important researched activity leading to language development and promotes early literacy skillssuch as:
Book handling and naming
Understanding how stories work
Recognition of sounds and letters
Knowledge of a wide range of vocabulary
Ability to listen
Even young babies can benefit from read aloud practices!
Reading aloud:
Builds motivation, curiosity and memory
Helps children cope during times of stress or anxiety
Take children to places and times they have never been - enlarging and enhancing their worlds
Creates a positive association with books and reading
Our reading program opperates at home and in waiting rooms!
This is where Reach Out and Read comes in!
Even handling books develops school readiness in infants!
Many of the families that Reach Out and Read serves do not have any books at home. We give each child a new developmentally-appropriate book to take home with them - and for those parents, whose first language is not English, we offer books in 12 different languages. Books can even be useful for parents who dont read - we encourage them to talk about the story that the pictures tell.
We also encourage partnerships between Reach Out and Read sites and their local libraries, to expand the selection of books available for families to read aloud.
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