Narayana Murthy used to spend hours reading with his kids during their school days: How co-reading with parents benefits students

In a recent X (formerly Twitter) post by Times Algebra, Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy shared that he and his wife, Sudha Murthy, spent more than three and a half hours every evening reading with their kids during their school years.
“I & my wife Sudha Murthy dedicated more than three and a half hours each evening to reading with our children during their school years,” reads the post.

Well, co-reading involves parents and children reading together. This can improve comprehension and foster a supportive learning environment. Among many other factors, this practice is likely to have played a major role in shaping the academic success of the Murthy children. Their daughter, Akshata Murthy, pursued an undergraduate degree in Economics and French at Claremont McKenna College, an MBA from Stanford University, and a diploma in clothes manufacturing from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. Their son, Rohan Murthy, earned a degree in Computer Science from Cornell University and a Ph.D. in the same field from Harvard University.
The power of co-reading: Benefits for students
Co-reading with parents is a powerful tool that can greatly benefit students. When parents and children read together, it enhances comprehension, strengthens vocabulary, and builds critical thinking skills. This shared activity creates a supportive and interactive learning environment, fostering a love for reading and intellectual curiosity.
Enhanced Literacy Skills: Co-reading helps children develop stronger literacy skills. By engaging with parents in reading, children are exposed to new vocabulary and concepts, which enhances their language comprehension and fluency.
Increased Bonding and Support: Reading together strengthens the parent-child bond. This shared activity provides emotional support and encouragement, making children feel more confident in their abilities and more engaged in their studies.
Improved Academic Performance: Studies indicate that children who read with their parents regularly tend to perform better academically. The practice not only improves reading skills but also fosters a love for learning and curiosity.
Development of Critical Thinking: Discussing the content of books during co-reading sessions encourages children to think critically and analytically. It helps them to ask questions, make predictions, and understand different perspectives, which are crucial skills for academic success.
Establishing a Routine: Consistent co-reading establishes a productive routine. It teaches children the importance of discipline and time management, setting a positive example for their own study habits.
Role of parents in academic success
Parental involvement in education plays a crucial role in a student’s academic success and overall development. When parents actively engage in their child’s learning, whether through helping with homework, attending school events, or encouraging academic curiosity, it boosts the child’s motivation, confidence, and performance. Research shows that students with involved parents tend to have better grades, improved behaviour, and stronger social skills.