Trina Milan: The Power of Reading Aloud
Children’s author, preschool teacher, and mother Trina Velila-Milan talks about the power of reading aloud to children of all ages.
This story appeared in the Modern Parenting Mother’s Day and Father’s Day May 2024 issue.
The famous Dr. Seuss line goes, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
I admit that I didn’t quite understand what this quote meant when I was younger. I was a slow reader and a frustrated writer. It would take me months to finish a book and several days to write an essay. I admired those who could speak and write so well, and those with a gift of words.
So I thought to myself: if I wanted to express myself through writing, I needed to equip myself with the right tools. So I decided to read. I started slowly by reading children’s books, and that’s when I started to imagine and develop my own versions of my favorite stories.
Reading is an important life skill. It will literally take us places. Reading can unlock one’s imagination, improve comprehension and expand vocabulary. The number of words a child knows can be a good indicator of brain growth.
I had the privilege to read to 16-year-olds for the first time. At first, I was not sure how they would appreciate a simple children’s book story. To my surprise, that experience got me emotional. It made me realize that everyone has a story to share, a lesson to teach and dreams to talk about. Teenagers are inspired to write, express themselves positively and have meaningful conversations. A simple children’s book story can teach us lessons through underlying messages that resonate with us at a point in our lives.
It fosters quality bonding time
As parents, being there for our children is a power that we can give them. Reading allows you to give them your undivided attention and disconnect from gadgets, work and stress. It can help strengthen the bond with your child, improve positive socialization, understand how they think and build meaningful core memories with the family.
It nurtures emotional development
Children need opportunities to talk with other kids, to exchange with adults and interact with each other, whether one-on-one or in groups. Reading aloud helps them learn while strengthening connections, promoting emotional security, while developing empathy and a deeper understanding through shared story experiences. Listening to your kids process the stories will give you an idea of how they think and feel in particular situations and scenarios. We can learn many concepts from stories — cause and effect, problem-solving, start-action-end, as well as values and empathy.
It begins conversations – even difficult ones
Books are a great starting point to discuss challenging topics, and helps make awkward conversations less awkward. Reading aloud and pausing in between, as well as after the story allows the conversation to flow freely and makes kids feel safe. It also gives you an opportunity to make them feel that their opinions are valid and heard.
Books and reading activities are also a great way to segue into discussions on family values, beliefs and morals. These can be fun and entertaining. Be creative — table talk jars, would-you-rather games or poetry readings are some ideas for post-reading activities you can do to further enrich this read-aloud experience.
Read to your children and your teens. Give them a platform to share their thoughts and tell stories that can move the world.
To read the full article, grab a copy of Modern Parenting Mother’s Day and Father’s Day May 2024 issue —available on sarisari.shopping. Download the e-Magazine from Readly or Press Reader for more exclusive features and stories.
Photography HERSHEY LIM OF COCOON STUDIOS
More about reading?
Moments Like This: Anna Gomez on Weaving Stories About Life Abroad
Blessings Born From a Small Bookshop
Young Adult Books: Should We Let Our Teens Read Them?
