(LITTLE ROCK, Ark.) — Reading aloud to young children is one of the easiest and best ways to help them be ready for the social, emotional, and academic aspects of kindergarten. That’s why the Department of Human Services (DHS) is launching the “10 Minutes Matter” reading campaign. 

“Juggling work and parenting may leave parents feeling like they don’t have the time to invest in reading enough to really impact a child’s future,” said Tonya Williams, DHS Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education Director. “The good news is that reading to children just 10 minutes a day can make a difference. And it’s never too early to start.”

Williams encourages parents to start reading to their children at birth, and she said the books do not always have to be children’s books. 

“The goal is for the babies to hear the words and sentences,” she said. “Language-rich moments help children develop their communication skills, recognize sounds and letters, and will increase their vocabulary.”

Science has shown that 90 percent of a person’s brain develops in the first five years of life. That’s why a child’s experiences and relationships during that time are critically important. Reading not only engages children and boosts brain development, but it also helps children and parents bond. 

Reading aloud to young children also can help build a foundation for a life-long love of reading, especially when it is done by people the children love and who help them feel safe. DHS chose to encourage parents to read for at least 10 minutes rather than 20 or 30 minutes because everyone has 10 minutes to spare. 

As part of the 10 Minutes Matter campaign, DHS will:

•    Periodically throughout the year release videos of Arkansans reading books aloud on social media, which parents can show their children.
•    Provide a downloadable toolkit that includes graphics, flyers, and social media content promoting 10 minutes of reading every day.
•    Host a contest on social media that will award books to the winners. 

To download the toolkit or to learn more, visit ar.gov/10minutes.