It's hard to believe that by age five, a child's future success may already be determined due to, or lack of, exposure to reading at a young age. Yet, study after study bears this out: children who learn to read early have a much higher likelihood of succeeding in school, avoiding drugs and alcohol and attending college.

Research shows that exposure to early reading is even more important to a child's success in school than family income or education level. Child development experts say early reading is critical to a child's language development.

According to "Reading Is Fundamental," the largest children's literacy non-profit organization in the United States, reading aloud to children at an early age is the most effective way to help them attain language and communication skills. It also stimulates children's imagination and expands their understanding of the world.

By helping children develop strong reading skills early on, parents are laying the foundation for their success in school and in life. Children who are read to as toddlers and preschoolers tend to:

• Perform better in school and have a higher aptitude for learning.
• Develop better speech and communication skills.
• Have a better grasp of language fundamentals as they approach school age.
• Better understand concepts and the world around them.
• Gain stronger self-discipline, longer attention span and better memory retention.
• See books as a treat, not a chore - they are more likely to choose books over video games, television and other forms of entertainment as they grow older.

For engaging literacy activities for parents to experience together with young children, please click here.