Why is it so important for me to read nursery rhymes to my young children? I far prefer reading stories to them. - Bored With Rhymes
Answer: Keep reading stories to your children, but do add some nursery rhymes. In preparation for learning to read, children do much better if they can identify words that rhyme. While stories like "The Cat in the Hat" do this, so do "Hickory, Dickory, Dock" and "Jack and Jill."
When you read rhymes, have your children join in the refrain. They will also enjoy reciting the rhymes. As they get older, encourage them to change words to make their own rhymes, such as "Jack and Bill went up the hill." Rhymes teach children so much about the distinct sounds that make up each word. They must understand this in order to be ready for beginning phonics instruction.