Each year, World Read Aloud Day celebrates the right to be able to read, tell, and share stories. It’s a day to read aloud as families. You and your parents can read to your children or grandchildren. You can read to a parent whose eyesight may be worsening. You could have a celebrity read to your family by borrowing or purchasing an audiobook.
There are different ways World Read Aloud Day is celebrated. There are volunteers who go to schools, senior centers, community centers, and retirement communities to read stories. Some people opt to stand in a public space and read to anyone who wishes to list. You could stay home and read together as a family. When you do read aloud to or with others, there are benefits you may not be thinking of.
It Helps Instill a Life-Long Passion for Reading
When people read to a child regularly, that child is more likely to grow up and be interested in reading. By getting your parents to read to your child while you help with household chores, you’re helping them bond and instilling a love of reading at the same time. Fifteen minutes a day is all it takes.
You Learn Something New
There’s always something you can learn by reading a book. Even a fictional book may have a unique idea or toss in a fact you’ve never heard before. As you read these facts, take time to look them up and see if it’s true or partially true. You’ll learn a lot.
Reading Increases Your Vocabulary
The more you read, the more words you learn. This increases your vocabulary. Read aloud with your family and your children and parents may learn new words, too. With a stronger vocabulary, the family games of Scrabble or Boggle become a lot more challenging.
Stories Can Impact Overall Mood
Read to your parents on a good day and a happy story can help uplift them from a funk. A story can get them laughing, bring pleasant memories to mind, and trigger them to tell you more about their childhood. As their mood improves, it makes caregiving less stressful.
How often do your parents read when you’re not around? If they no longer drive, a home care aide can drive them to bookstores or libraries. The caregiver could put on an audiobook or read to them. They don’t have to give up their passion just because they’re aging. Call a home care agency to learn more.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE IS CONSIDERING HOMECARE IN ZEBULON, NC, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT SENIORS HELPING SENIORS TODAY. CALL (919) 761-5346.