As a retired literature and writing teacher, I cannot stress enough the importance of parents' and grandparents' reading to young children. It helps children develop their vocabulary, it teaches sight word recognition, and it teaches cause and effect.

The minds of young children are like sponges - they absorb everything they see, hear, feel, taste, and smell. They're just learning to talk and to expand their vocabulary, and reading gives them an invaluable boost. Just by listening to a story and looking at colorful pictures, the child will invariably learn new words. Also, by hearing the words used in context, he will learn to use the words correctly.

If the same word is repeated often in a book, before long, the child will make the association between the picture and the printed word. This could be his very first attempts at realizing the concept of reading.

Stories always have a plot. Something happens that causes something else. This is called "cause and effect," and it's an important skill for your child to master. If he masters this skill before he begins formal education, he should easily transition into more difficult reading comprehension.

I urge parents to read to their children every day. Try establishing a routine that includes story time, perhaps right before bed. Your child will benefit greatly from the educational aspect of the activity, and it's a way to spend real quality time with your child.