Why are Read Alouds Important for Children?
- reneevoce
- Feb 7, 2024
- 6 min read
Over the last 25 + years of teaching I always made time to read aloud to my students. Even when I taught fifth grade they welcomed our 20 minutes each day that I read to them. The novels I chose had rich literature that made the characters become part of my students' family. We had such great conversations about why the character acted in a certain way or what was the author's purpose? These conversations lead to life lessons the students could relate to in their own lives.
This week my blog is to explain why read alouds are not only important to a classroom because research has shown that teachers who read aloud motivate students to read. Reading aloud to your child also builds why they are an important part of a family tradition.
When my children were young we enjoyed curling up with one our our favorite books, Roald Dahl's "The BFG". Our girls loved this tradition and now carry it on by reading to their children. It has become their evening routine of reading a special book together.
Reading aloud is one of the most important things parents and teachers can do with children. Reading aloud builds many important foundational skills, introduces vocabulary, provides a model of fluent, expressive reading, and helps children recognize what reading for pleasure is all about.
Tips on reading aloud
Choose books that are appropriate for your child’s age and interests
It’s also important to allow your child to choose books that interest them — especially as they get older
Make your read alouds interactive and fun
Talk about the pictures as you read
Build vocabulary by focusing on and talking about new words
Connect the story to your child’s world
Ask questions about the story and encourage your child to ask what they are wondering about
Make reading aloud a regular part of your routine — just 15 minutes each day can make a big difference in raising a reader
Here's a way to actively read with your child before, during and after a read aloud
Relate things happening in the story to what kids know in their own world. Use daily life examples that encourage children to connect their lives with the story.
Often times with young children you will read a book again and again. Don’t let this discourage you. Instead, think of new ways to engage with the book and the child. With a very familiar story, ask your child to explain what happened. Let the child recall the order of events, or make up a new ending.
Just remember, every time your child talks about the book you are reading, they are actively reading!
Classics stand the test of time. They were loved by children when they were published and are still loved today. You can’t replace classics with the new literature of today.
Here is a list of classic books to read to your elementary children...I have read many of these over the years with my children, now grandchildren, and students.
The most well known of all the Chronicles of Narnia books makes a wonderful read aloud for the entire family. It is full of magic and adventure will inspire your imagination! and students.
All of us at some point in our childhood realize that we don’t really grow up. That’s why we all love the story of Peter Pan and Wendy. Use your imagination and relive those childhood memories with your children as you read this story aloud to your kids.
Where the Red Fern Grows is a story about a boy who raises and trains his own coon dogs. Be sure to have tissues on hand.
If your family enjoys historical fiction or is looking for a book series to start reading aloud, this classic is a family favorite!
Spend a bit of time growing up in the 1840s along the Mississippi River with the adventurous Tom Sawyer a classic by Mark Twain. Moms and Dads of boys, this needs to be next in your read aloud pile.
The prequel to the Lord of the Rings is a family friendly fantasy classic book. This book is easier for younger students to understand than the LOTR triology, thus it is a great introduction to the classics by J.R.R.Tolkien.
Encourage your children to play outside by reading through the adventures of Jess and Leslie.
Every little girl wants to be a princess, yet what happens when a princess loses everything? Sara Crewe is the princess in this story that will warm your hearts and teach a few life lessons along the way.
Sometimes your home may feel like a jungle, so why not read Mowgli’s life in the jungle during family read aloud time? The adventure and lessons on family relationships will be enjoyed by everyone.
I loved reading this to my children when they were growing up. Their adventures while small seemed so much larger than my childrens'!
Everyone loves a secret, right?! Discover the secret of the garden with your family as you read this classic book aloud together. P.S. It isn’t a story just for girls.
Pippi Longstocking is coming into your world. A freckle-faced red-haired girl you ought to know. The adventures of Pippi are like none other. Everyone will be laughing during this read aloud time!
Visit the Wisconsin frontier as you read about the adventurous, tomboy Caddie Woodlawn. This is a great story for girls that would rather be playing outside than inside with sewing wearing frills and bows.
Books about horses abound, but this classic is a must read for horse lovers. Follow the journey of Black Beauty as he is passed from owner to owner, facing cruelty, bitterness and indifference.
Every boy wants a loyal dog to call their own and Old Yeller is as loyal as they come. He sees it as his job to protect the family while dad is away on a cattle drive. Another great read aloud that requires tissues to be on hand.
The story of Edmond Dantes is based on real-life and tells the story of a man imprisoned wrongly and his fight to escape prison and save his life.
“Tomorrow is fresh. With no mistakes in it.” One of my favorite quotes of all time comes from L.M. Montgomery’s, Anne of Green Gables. This is on my must-read list and also makes a great read aloud.
This classic tale of the adventures of Mole, Ratty, Badger and the lovable rogue, Mr Toad, is one of our personal favourites. This is a shorter version of the original story with new artwork by Robert Ingpen.
Some Pig. Humble. Radiant. These are the words in Charlotte’s spiderweb as Charlotte shares her feelings for a little pig named Wilbur, who simply wants a friend and the love of a girl named Fern, who saved Wilbur’s life when he was born the runt of his litter.
House painter Mr Popper dreams of Arctic explorations. When Popper is sent a penguin, life for his family is never quite the same again. They go from one penguin living in the icebox, to housing 12 penguins, all of whom must be fed! “Popper’s Performing Penguins, First Time on Any Stage, Direct from the South Pole” is born and their on tour adventures are captivating hilarious to children.
Willy Wonka’s famous chocolate factory is opening at last but only five lucky children will be allowed inside! Join the kind and honest Charlie Bucket and his Grandpa as they enjoy the experience of a lifetime!
When the ever-curious mouse, Ralph, spots Keith’s red toy motorcycle, he vows to ride it. So when Keith leaves the bike unattended in his room one day, Ralph makes his move. But with all this freedom (and speed!) come lots of obstacles. Watch out Ralph!
The BFG is no ordinary bone-crunching giant. He is far too nice and jumbly. It's lucky for Sophie that he is. Had she been carried off in the middle of the night by the Bloodbottler, or any of the other giants—rather than the BFG—she would have soon become breakfast. When Sophie hears that the giants are flush-bunking off to England to swollomp a few nice little chiddlers, she decides she must stop them once and for all. And the BFG is going to help her!
I believe that classic literatureneeds to be a part of every child's education. Todays literature is lacking in so many ways to truly build children up and entertain them in wholesome, meaningful ways.
By utilizing your read aloud time for classic literature you’ll have the opportunity to teach your children new vocabulary words, discuss important topics and make memories that last a lifetime
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