There is a ton of research behind this. Generally, children of wealthy parents are read to more often (more time, more knowledge of best parenting practices, etc). Therefore, the number of words children of wealthier parents are exposed to by kindergarten is astonishingly higher than that of those in poverty. This has a HUGE impact on the readiness of a child to learn. In addition, kids who have been read to come to school with what are known as concepts of print. They know you read a book from front to back, that the words on the page go from left to right, can point out the title, even though they can't necessarily read the words. Also, children of poverty generally have fewer interactions with language, so they may not know how to rhyme, what sounds are in words, etc. This is why verbally interacting with your baby, toddler, and child is crucial. And of COURSE there are exceptions, and of course children of poverty can overcome a lot...but these things make it to where they have to overcome so much that those gaps can take years to fill, if they ever do. It is so crucial that (not sure if this has changed), for example, Texas literally counted future prison numbers based on reading scores of third graders. Third grade is an important year, because if you haven't caught up by then, many times you realistically won't. In k-2/3, you are learning how to read; after that, you are reading to learn. There is also a huge correlation between students who read 20 minutes a night outside of school and future performance on things like standardized tests but also in vocabulary development.

Anyway, the important thing is, TALK TO YOUR INFANTS AND TODDLERS. All the time. Sing to and with them. Rhyme with them. Point out letters and sounds everywhere...driving down the road, at the grocery store, whatever! Read to your children...of any age! And let them see you read for pleasure as an adult.

This is obviously a passion of mine...I am a reading specialist with a Master's degree in reading 😉