Ten minutes a day builds vocabulary, closeness and a desire to read alone. And a book where the child is in the story themselves tempts you into more evenings.
Words you would not otherwise hear
Books have a richer language than everyday speech. Children who read together with an adult meet words they would not otherwise hear, and learn them in context.
A moment together
Reading aloud is also a moment of calm and closeness. Many families make it part of the evening, however the day has gone.
When the child recognises themselves
A story where the child, their brothers and sisters or the pet are in it prompts questions and conversation: what would you have done? That makes reading something you do together. Read more about books for different ages.