You can and should keep reading aloud to a child even after they can read on their own! Reading aloud with children is linked to many great outcomes like expanded knowledge and vocabulary, improved attention span and memory, increased curiosity and imagination and greater self-esteem, empathy, and confidence.
Here are some tips for reading together once your child is an independent reader:
- Try reading one chapter a night as a family.
- Reading aloud can help you introduce new or difficult topics to your child. Reading a story that shows characters dealing with conflict or experiencing something new can be a great opportunity for discussion together.
- There are so many amazing books that kids don't pick to read on their own, and these can make great read-alouds. Choose books that introduce your child to a new genre, series or author—maybe one of your favorite books from childhood. Once a child falls in love with the story or author it’s hard to hold them back from reading it on their own!
- Listen to audiobooks together. This is an especially great option for travel or road trips!
- Remember that you can read more than just books aloud. Read news, sports or magazine articles aloud together.
There are so many great books for independent readers:
Tristan Strong Punches A Hole in the Sky: Follow a young boy into a mythical showdown between African American folk heroes and West African gods, perfect for fans of Percy Jackson.
The War That Saved My Life: A moving story of siblings who evacuate London during World War II and learn unexpected lessons about themselves and the meaning of family.
The Inquisitor's Tale, Or, the Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog: Three kids and a dog take a journey through Medieval France, what could possibly go wrong?
If you need more great recommendations, we've compiled a list of our greatest hits for reading aloud with independent readers!
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