Research has shown that a parent-child book reading in the home facilitates that child's later independent reading, but little is known of the reasons parents read to their children. This paper reports that after interviewing 25 Brisbane parents, the reasons they gave for reading aloud to their children can be categorised under five main headings: Pleasure for the child; Functionality; Good start at school; Closeness; and Quiet time. It concludes with practical implications for the early childhood classroom.
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