Another reason to read to your child

Books have their own language.

You’d never say, in conversation, “once upon a time,” or “her flaxen locks.” And yet, when we read those phrases in books, not only do they seem perfectly normal, but they’re part of a fantastic language that contributes to a whole and magical childhood.

Here are some more book phrases:
* …and they lived happily ever after.
* the word “for” used like this: “…for no light ever touched his skin.”
* …there lived an elfin creature…

When’s the last time you described someone as “elfin”? (Unless you’re a RPGer.)

Books have a language all their own, and it’s an important one for children to learn. The only way kids can learn the language of books is to read, or be read to.

Another reason why reading to your child is so, so important.

Research source: Proust and the Squid, by Maryanne Wolf.

I knew you’d ask about RPG. Role-playing gamer, like Dungeons and Dragons. And by the way, if you are one, check out the extremely entertaining web-com, The Guild. I’m not one, by the way. Just in case you were wondering.
The cute elf image came from a “free colouring book pages” site, here.