Reading to children increases their language skills Published March 27, 2009 By Samuel V. Richards Tinker Reference Librarian TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- Reading comprehension and literacy skills have always been considered as major factors in the success of children. The importance of reading and literacy has been championed by educators and school officials but the core of reading and literacy starts not in the school but in the home. One study showed that parents or guardians reading to four and five year olds three times a week not only increased the child's reading comprehension but also increased the child's desire to read. This, in turn, helps the child's concentration and language skills as well as information recall ability. After 16 weeks, the Project Story Boost program found that one-on-one reading to children increased both the level of interaction of the children as well as their language skills. These increased language and interaction skills help the child communicate both in writing and verbally. This is shown to increase the child's motivation in both reading and learning. Children who participate in these programs earn higher grades and pay better attention in class. By simply reading to their children three times a week, parents and guardians give their children the skills they need to be successful in life.