Reading has multiple benefits for children, including building vocabulary, fostering a love of language, and teaching them empathy. But what about reading aloud to children? I get asked all the time whether parents should still read aloud to their children, even if they’re 10 or 14 or 17.
My answer is always, emphatically, yes.
When kids are young, research has proven that reading aloud to them is the single most important activity that leads to language development and early literacy skills.
When kids get older, reading aloud is still important, because it forges a connection between a parent and a child, further develops their passion for reading, and flexes their reading and attention muscles—not to mention giving parents and children a springboard for conversation, which is always valuable during the teenage years.
My oldest is 10, and I still read aloud to him. I plan to continue doing it until he’s grown and gone.
Here are some of my current favorites to read aloud to my young children.
1. Dear Mr. Henshaw, by Beverly Cleary (such a wonderful book about a boy who comes into himself amidst his parents’ divorce, a lunch thief, and learning that other people have problems, too.)
2. The Tale of Despereaux, by Kate DiCamillo (one of my favorite fantasies about a mouse who becomes a knight.)
3. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, by Kate DiCamillo (another of my favorite fantasies about a stuffed bunny who goes on a trip and rediscovers love.)
4. Shiloh, by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor (a heartwarming story about a boy and a special dog.)
5. The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place series, by Maryrose Wood (a funny, mysterious tale about children raised by wolves and their plucky governess.)
6. The Sign of the Beaver, by Elizabeth George Speare (an old classic that deals with courage, morals, and colonial times.)
7. The Indian in the Cupboard, by Lynne Reid Banks (a fun story about an Indian figure that comes to life in a magical cupboard.)
8. James and the Giant Peach, by Roald Dahl (a wonderful story about a boy who runs away from some mean aunts in a giant peach and meets some quirky insects.)
9. Matilda, by Roald Dahl (an entertaining story about a sweet girl who fights back.)
10. The Wild Robot, by Peter Brown (a cute tale about a robot stranded on a desert island—with fantastic pictures!)
11. Pax, by Sara Pennypacker (a heartwarming story about a boy and a fox.)
My boys and I have read many, many books together, so more lists will surely come in the future. But these are a very good place to start.
The books mentioned above have affiliate links attached to them, which means I’ll get a small kick-back if you click on them and purchase. But I only recommend books I enjoy reading myself. Actually, I don’t even talk about books I didn’t enjoy. I’d rather forget I ever wasted time reading them. (But if you’re curious whether I’ve read something and what I thought about it, don’t hesitate to ask.)
