Reading Aloud To Your Child

Very often I hear from parents about the at-home struggle of getting their children to read each night. Often times, there are tears involved, from children and parents alike, and usually this results into a diminishing of the "love of reading." So my response to these parents is always to end this battle. As parents, hundreds of times a day we have to "pick our battles." I'm saying- this is one battle you can choose to let go of by simply reading to your child. 


Parents have a hard time with this advice...and I understand why. We, for some reason or another, believe the only way children are going to become better readers is if they're actually doing the reading themselves. And while there may be argument for that when it comes to actual word-reading, that's not a valid argument in regards to the many other aspects of reading. By reading aloud to your children, you're sparking interest in books, you're giving them the opportunity to access more complex ideas that they would not otherwise be exposed to, you're exposing them to vocabulary and language patterns that are not part of their every day speech...and the list goes on.


So, next time your child refuses to read on his/her own...instead of going to battle with your child..take it as a good opportunity to "cuddle up" with them and a book. 


I've included some links that highlight the value of reading aloud to your child as well as some read aloud tips. 

Why it's important to read aloud with your kids, and how to make it count

Study says reading aloud to children, more than talking, builds literacy

The Importance of Reading Aloud to Big Kids

Reading Aloud with Children of All Ages

7 Tips for Reading to Older Children

Talking About Reading

Talking About Reading 

As I have been working in classrooms these past couple of months- I've noticed the excitement in students as they get the opportunity to discuss what they're reading with an adult. They feel so important as well as proud of their work. One question I'm often asked by parents is, "How do I talk to my child about their reading?" From a parent's perspective- I can understand wanting to make sure the "right" questions are being asked. I'm here to tell you that any conversation you have about your child's book- is the "right" conversation. 

Allowing your child time to share what they've read promotes so many healthy habits as readers. By just saying to your child "Tell me about your book"- they have to organize their thoughts and retell the story/book in a way that will make sense to the reader. These conversation also usually lead children into making connections to the text and other things they know (other books, movies, real-life). To encourage your child to go back into the text to "prove" their claims- you can simply say, "Show me!" These conversation help hold children accountable for their reading- when they know they will get to talk about what they've read- they pay closer attention to the story and the details because they like to sound like "experts" when they share their book.

So- the next time your child reads, take a few minutes, and say, "Tell me about your book!"
If you're looking for more specific questions to guide your conversation with your child, check out these links: 

Tips for Talking About Books With Your Child

Book Talk

Questions to Ask Your Child After Reading a Fiction or Nonfiction Text

Questions to Ask Your Student Before, During and After Reading

There's Not Enough Time to Read!

Being a parent myself, I know what it's like to be so overwhelmed with the every day "tasks." By the time I get home from work, unpack backpacks and lunch boxes, cook dinner, feed my family, clean up from dinner, pack backpacks and lunch boxes for the next day, give baths, do laundry, play with my kids (and never mind if there's an activity or sport in between there that we need to be at)- I often can't imagine how I can add another thing, like reading, to my plate. And this, coming from a reading teacher who understands the value and impact of reading with your children. We live in a busy world with so much to do, but the reality is- reading is SO important to our children's future success. So, I'm hoping the link below will help you to incorporate reading into your already busy lives.

If you have some different ideas of how to fit reading into an already packed schedule- please share in the comments section. :)

8 Ways to Fit Reading Into Your Busy Schedule

Why Are We Here?

I'm so happy you found my blog! 

To answer some questions you may have...

"Who are you?" My current title- "reading interventionist." Simply, this means I offer reading support to all teachers and students in the school. Prior to this role, I was a 5th grade teacher here at NEA. 

"Why are we here?" Through this blog, I hope to engage you all in dialogue about reading; specifically in regards to your children. My "dream" is that this blog will unite school and home on the reading front and also give me an opportunity to build relationships with the families of the students I've come to know and love. 

"What will we find here?" Articles, activities, or sometimes just plain old fun stories about my reading adventures with your children. I also encourage YOU to comment, ask questions, and share your own ideas and adventures about reading! 

I leave you today with this...

10 Solid Reasons Why You Should Always Read with Your Kids in Life


Thank you for visiting! I hope you come back soon and frequently!!