Halloween Reading Fun for Young Children in Greater Houston

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Reading aloud to children is a powerful tool for early childhood development. At Collaborative for Children, we champion literacy as a cornerstone of school readiness, emotional growth, and lifelong learning. As Greater Houston families prepare for Halloween, we’re spotlighting five Collab Kid Approved books that make reading fun, festive, and foundational.

The Power of Reading Aloud: More Than Just Words

Reading with children ages 3–5 builds critical brain connections that support language, emotional intelligence, and cognitive development. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, shared reading strengthens parent-child bonds and lays the groundwork for school success.

When parents read aloud, children absorb vocabulary, story structure, and emotional cues. Neuropsychologist Dr. Laura Phillips explains that “just exposure to words is the single most important thing you can do to help build the language pathways in your child’s brain.”

Why It Matters in Greater Houston

Children who are read to regularly are more likely to enter kindergarten with stronger vocabulary, better listening skills, and a love for learning. Yet, national data shows that only 85% of children ages 3–5 are read to three or more times per week by a family member and that number drops significantly in households with lower maternal education levels.

Collaborative for Children works to close this gap by supporting certified child care Centers of Excellence, offering STEAM-based curriculum, and empowering parents to be their child’s first teacher.