Benefits of Reading Aloud to Children
Here are some reasons why you should read aloud to children at home:
• to build an interest in books and a love for reading
• to show that reading can be interesting, informative and fun
• to increase appreciation for a variety of printed materials
• to build pleasurable family experiences
Here is how children benefit in school from reading with you:
• by improving their attention span and listening skills
• by increasing their memory skills
• by broadening their vocabulary and language abilities
• by stimulating their creativity
• by learning about themselves and their world
• by saving cherished memories of favorite stories
Help Your Child Become a Reader
• Read aloud to your child as often as possible. Remember that
children of all ages love to hear books read aloud. Keep reading to you
child even after he/she learns to read.
• Talk about what you read. Language and thinking skills develop when
children talk. Ask questions, make predictions, compare and contrast,
summarize important events and make connections.
• Have your child read aloud to you. Keep it fun and enjoyable!
• Get a library card for your child. Make visiting the library a
special weekly event.
• Make sure your child owns some books. Encourage relatives to give
books as gifts.
• Encourage your child to read to others. Brothers, sisters,
grandparents and friends enjoy sharing favorite stories.
• Read a short story, fairy tale or a play then act it out.
• Have your children keep lists of books they’ve read. You can make a
game out of it by offering a surprise after a predetermined number of books
are read. For example, a trip to the zoo might be the grand prize for
reading 20 books. Lists will help your child remember what they’ve read and
give them a sense of pride in their achievement.
• Let your child see you reading a variety of printed material:
newspapers, magazines, books, forms, recipes, etc. Parents are the most
important role models.
• Provide opportunities to write. Allow your child to make grocery
lists, send thank–you letters, write notes to friends and relatives, write
emails, create original poetry and even keep a journal.
• Subscribe to children’s magazines to encourage reading at home. For
example:
Sesame Street Magazine (ages 2-6)
Ranger Rick (ages 4-9)
Zoobooks (ages 4-12)
Sports Illustrated for Kids (ages 7-13)
National Geographic World (ages 8-13)
• Read along the road. When you’re in the car with your child, read
billboards and signs. You may also want to play “I spy” games.
• Read labels for learning.
• Surf the net together. Go to www.yahooligans.com to do a search for
child friendly links.
• Look for computer software that encourages your child to read,
interpret and make decisions.
• Be creative and think of other activities that can grow naturally out
of your everyday activities.
Additional Ideas:
• Monitor television viewing. Set time limits and make good decisions
about which programs are suitable for viewing. Watch television together and
discuss program content.
• Become involved with your child’s school. If you show an interest,
your child will know the home–school connection is important and will
appreciate your support.
• Listen to your child. Your attention will build your child’s self–
esteem while he/she develops oral language confidence.
• Above all, trust your instincts, take time to be with your child and
appreciate your child as a unique individual.
