Read Aloud Factor

Reading to infants has long been seen as a way for caregivers to form a close connection with a baby while supporting early speech. Newer neuroscience now points to effects that reach well beyond the early years. Rekha S. Rajan took part in research finding that people who were read to more often as children had measurably healthier brains in old age.

The book draws on current findings about how the brain develops. It explains how reading aloud supports language skills as well as social and emotional growth.

Its practical purpose is to help parents and other caregivers make read-aloud time a regular and enjoyable part of family life.