A recent study published by a research team at Tohoku University indicates that reading picture books to children positively affects various aspects of their development, including motor skills and social abilities. The comprehensive analysis utilized data from approximately 37,000 parent-child pairs gathered during a national survey on children's health and environment conducted by the Ministry of the Environment between 2011 and 2014. The findings revealed that children who were read to frequently (more than five times a week) scored significantly higher in developmental areas as measured by international standards, including communication and both gross and fine motor skills.

The research centered on children aged 1 to 3 years, analyzing their developmental progress concerning how often their parents engaged in reading to them. It was noted that about 30% of families read frequently, while the majority read occasionally, with a small percentage reading very little. Among the developmental areas assessed through a questionnaire were communication skills, gross motor skills (such as running and jumping), fine motor skills (precise hand movements), problem-solving abilities, and personal-social competencies (interpersonal relationships and daily habits). The study found statistically significant differences, particularly in the communication domain where children who were read to frequently scored 5.5 points higher than those who were not read to at all.

These findings re-emphasize the importance of regular storytelling sessions in early childhood, suggesting that such practices not only enhance language skills but also contribute significantly to children’s social interactions and physical development. As awareness of the impact of early literacy experiences spreads, this research could have implications for parenting practices and early childhood educational policies, encouraging more frequent reading interactions to foster holistic development in children.