Daily reading helps improve infants’ language development
DAILY reading improved language development in infants 12 months and younger, according to a recent study.
The study, which builds on well-established research of early language development in toddlers 12 months and older, found that the infants who received consistent, daily reading of at least one book a day, starting at two weeks of age, demonstrated improved language scores as early as nine months of age.
During the randomized study, researchers at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine gave parents/guardians a set of 20 children’s books specifically chosen to support early language development and interaction with print media.
Enrolled families agreed to read at least one book per day and have their infants tested with an expressive and receptive language test at their well-child visits.
“One book each day is an easy goal for new families to try. To see that there is a measurable improvement in speaking and understanding before one year old is very exciting,” said study author Dr. Adam M. Franks, M.D.
“While our team is excited about our findings, the real winners are the participating children and families in this area that have benefited from the bonding experience of experiencing this co-reading through their participation in the project,” Franks said.
(Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine)
