Why Re-Read a Book?

Here are 6 Great Reasons

This is actually the title of a great article I stumbled upon and I love how succinctly it puts into words exactly what I feel as if as a parent and teacher I've known for years. It's also something that's now backed up by research.

In the article, Jodie Rodriguez points out that the act of rereading a favorite book multiple times may at times seem tortuous, but once you understand the multiple benefits, the rereading is definitely worth the pain. One of the biggest takeaways from multiple readings of the same title is the amount of knowledge a child takes away with each reading. This knowledge may be in the form of new vocabulary, an understanding of a plot structure, a sense of compassion or empathy,  improved memory skills, and best of all the ability to build levels of additional knowledge and comprehension skills with each reading. 

I visualize this building of knowledge as a layering of sorts... layering with threads that pull through making multiple connections both within and outside the book. This type of learning sticks. This type of learning creates thinkers. This type of learning develops creators, not simply consumers.

Rodriguez goes on to discuss the how the act of reading actually creates readers. Rereading a good book reinforces a love of the written word and eventually gives your child a "thirst" for books. This "thirst" often results in a child picking out the boks he/she wants to have read to them. Choosing books on their own gives children a sense of ownership in their learning.

Forget about the educational aspects, what has always meant the most to me is the bonding provided by daily snuggles for reading. Creating a bedtime rituals quickly become both the parent and child's favorite time of day.  If you're rereading a title, it's almost as if you and your child are visiting an old friend.

​I probably haven't done the article justice, you should definitely take the time to read it yourself.