Reading to Children
Figure: NM children, 0-5 years who were read to every day of the week by a family member
Data Source: National Survey of Children’s Health, 2021
How is New Mexico Doing?
In 2021, New Mexico family members that read to their child, aged 0-5 years of age, every day of the week was 34.8%. This was a decrease of 7.2% from 2019 and a 2.2% decrease from 2017-2018.
How does New Mexico compare to the nation?
In 2021, New Mexico did not exceed national estimates. Children nationwide (39.2%) were more likely to be read to compared to New Mexico children (34.8%).
What does this mean?
The single most important activity for building knowledge for eventual success in reading is reading aloud to children, as stressed by the Commission on Reading. Reading aloud to children of all ages is important because it presents books as exciting and relatable experiences. Reading aloud to children helps them make sense of what they see, hear and read. Parents and teachers are role models and reading aloud lets children use their imaginations to explore people, places, times and events beyond their own experiences and supports the development of thinking skills.
