Why is reading aloud important for kids

Families and teachers can create and continue a tradition, introduce and reinforce the pleasures of reading, and, as children get older, set the stage for meaningful conversations about numerous topics. And read aloud spontaneously—when adults and children are in the mood for a story. Teachers can do the same using volunteers and other visitors to the classroom. Stories and books can be springboards to meaningful discussions about many different topics. Vary your expressions and tone of voice to fit the plot.

Reading aloud is, according to the landmark report "Becoming a Nation of Readers," "the single most important activity for building the knowledge required for eventual success in reading. Despite this advice, however, some educators and many parents don't read aloud to children from a young age and thus fail to nurture avid and skilled readers.

Indeed, this is especially true for children in low-income families. According to the Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics, only 48 percent of families below the poverty level read to their preschoolers each day, compared with 64 percent of families whose incomes were at or above the poverty level. Children from low-income families are also less likely to have exposure to print materials. The Boston-based non-profit extols the virtues of reading aloud to parents when children go to their check-ups at the pediatrician's or family physician's office.

The group also helps provide reading materials for families of lesser means. One of the greatest gifts adults can give — to their offspring and to their society — is to read to children.

Sharing stories often begins with reading aloud. Reading aloud provides a number of opportunities and benefits for children of all ages, from strengthening their vocabulary to increasing their attention span. Children acquire language primarily through listening. Reading aloud lets children regularly hear new words in new contexts, which builds their vocabulary and helps them develop a stronger awareness of the communicative possibilities of language. When children hear words read aloud, they begin seeing how printed words are closely connected to spoken words.

This helps them recognize the difference between the arrangement of spoken language and printed text. Children generally enjoy being read to, which encourages them to see and experience reading as something fun and positive. Football Books. Birthday Books for Children. Birthday Books for Grown Ups. Our Commitment to Reading. Skip to content Find the Perfect Gift. Our Story. Premium Books. Pam Allyn, Senior Vice President, stated that: Read-aloud is a prescription for lifelong success for the child and a dose of deep well-being for the family.

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