Why Reading Aloud to Older Kids is a Brilliant Idea

Did you read aloud to your kids when they were little? Me, too! In fact, most parents do read aloud to their kids and you probably did, too. Reading aloud to toddlers and preschoolers seems to be a natural and well-researched thing to do. After all, bedtime stories and reading aloud at nap-time are a commonly accepted way to settle them down to fall asleep, right?

Are there benefits to reading aloud to older kids?

But what about school-age children or even teenagers? Turns out there is powerful evidence that reading aloud to older children is beneficial as well. Yes! Even teenagers benefit from hearing stories read out loud.

1. Reading aloud strengthens active listening skills.

Sometimes small children do a better job of listening than older kids. In fact, one of the common complaints of parents of teenagers is that they stop listening. Reading aloud is a fabulous family activity to counteract that and engage older children to practice their listening skills. After all, listening skills are vital to building relationships and in many jobs, too!

2. Reading out loud builds reading comprehension.

One of the beautiful things about reading aloud is that you can read to a child a more advanced book than they may be able to read on their own. This exposes them to a depth of fresh ideas and allows them to grapple with new concepts, all of which build comprehension skills as you discuss the text together as you read.

3. Reading aloud grows your child’s vocabulary.

There’s no doubt that reading is one of the best ways to gain new vocabulary. A benefit of reading aloud is that you are right there with your child to explain new words. Offer synonyms after you say a new word! Talk about what new words mean and how the author helped you ascertain the meaning. Learning new words in context is the best way to grow!

4. Reading aloud increases a child’s attention span.

In today’s world, kids grow accustomed to listening to 30 second clips of information and then bouncing off to something new. Listening aloud to an interesting text trains the older child to listen and sustain attention for a longer period of time, engaging with the material in their minds.

5. Reading out loud develops critical thinking.

This is one of my favorite reasons to read aloud! Good books can offer us as parents a wonderful vehicle to discuss all sorts of challenging topics through literature. Kids really flex their critical thinking muscles as they critique the characters, their motivations, and their decisions. It’s a great way to teach right and wrong, wise verses foolish, as well as expose kids to adversity and challenging life circumstances.

6. Reading out loud stretches your child’s working memory and information processing skills.

Working memory? What’s that? It’s the skill that allows your kid to mentally put a thumb tack or sticky note in their mind and then visually and verbally manipulate the information. This is a pretty important skill! In fact, I had no idea how important it was until I had a child with dyslexia and ADHD that was challenged in this area. Guess what? Reading aloud has been one of our most powerful tools to overcome these special learning challenges.

7. Reading aloud builds reading fluency.

When your kids hear you reading aloud smoothly and with super fun, silly expression, and crazy voices…guess what they’ll start doing? You betcha! Reading aloud just like you. Reading out loud is excellent modeling for how to read a story with fabulous fluency and accurate speed pacing. Superb skills for any level of reading!

8. Reading out loud provides a way to introduce the classics or new genres.

Sometimes our little readers can get stuck in reading only one genre of literature. Want a new way to expose them to the classics or a new genre? Read out loud. Those classics with their tricky language can be a bit challenging, but when read aloud they just might make total sense. Same is true for reading a new genre that suddenly becomes lots of fun when read together.

9. Reading out loud models curiosity and a love of learning.

When a parent reads out loud to the kids, it is a powerful model not only of good reading, but also a love for learning. This is yet another way we can teach our kids to wonder, to be curious, to suppose, and to imagine. Such important mental skills! Your kids will see this in you, and they will learn to do the same!

10. Reading aloud builds family bonds and a shared connection.

Hands down one of the best reasons to read aloud is because of the amazing family bonds it will create. Reading together evokes a shared connection where you are coming together emotionally, socially, and mentally. Plus, you have some new shared memories to lean back on, now, too. It’s not uncommon in our house for my kids to say, “Remember when we all read Johnny Tremain together? That was such a good book!” or something similar. Books have brought us together in so many powerful ways!

So go ahead and restart the tradition of reading aloud – even to your older kids. Yes, even if they are teens! You won’t regret it and neither will they.

Wondering what to read?

Finding the perfect book to pique the curiosity of different ages of kids within the family can be a challenge. Download a copy of this free book list for elementary age kids or check out the book lists below for every grade level.

Elementary age kids can comprehend more than they can read, so it’s okay to choose a book 2 to 3 grades above them for reading aloud. If you have high school kids, don’t worry about staying above their grade. Most kids level out at the top reading level around age 13. After that, just choose a great book without concern about the reading level.

>>> READ: Stop! Do You Know Your Kid’s Reading Level?

Some of our Family’s Favorite Books for Reading Aloud

Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne
Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

Books Lists by Grade

Check out clean, wholesome, amazing books leveled by grade and just perfect for your kids at every stage!

Don’t stop reading aloud! Your older kids need it, too, and here’s why. 10 compelling reasons to continue reading aloud to your kids.