Let's Keep On Reading Aloud
Have you ever wondered why is it important to read aloud to older children?
As a teacher I have frequently heard, "My child is in third grade and already knows how to read, why should I read to him?" or "My child is too old for that." And yes, your child may be reading independently on a third grade level, but what level are they listening.
I have found that most parents are aware of the importance of reading aloud to small children. Bedtime stories are often a part of many families nightly routine. Unfortunately the routine of reading aloud begins to dwindle as kids become more independent readers and schedules become buisier. Reading out loud to older elementary children and even middle schoolers, however is hugely important. Her are some reasons why reading aloud to older kids matters and matters GREATLY.
1. Children listen on a different level than they read on. Jim Trelease, author of The Read Aloud Handbook states that "A child's reading level doesn't catch up to his listening level until eighth grade. You can and should be reading seventh-grade books to fifth-grade kids. They'll get excited about the plot, which is motivation to keep reading. A fifth-grader can enjoy a more complicated plot that she can read herself, and reading aloud is really going to hook her."
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| click here for video example |
I have found that most parents are aware of the importance of reading aloud to small children. Bedtime stories are often a part of many families nightly routine. Unfortunately the routine of reading aloud begins to dwindle as kids become more independent readers and schedules become buisier. Reading out loud to older elementary children and even middle schoolers, however is hugely important. Her are some reasons why reading aloud to older kids matters and matters GREATLY.1. Children listen on a different level than they read on. Jim Trelease, author of The Read Aloud Handbook states that "A child's reading level doesn't catch up to his listening level until eighth grade. You can and should be reading seventh-grade books to fifth-grade kids. They'll get excited about the plot, which is motivation to keep reading. A fifth-grader can enjoy a more complicated plot that she can read herself, and reading aloud is really going to hook her."
2. Life Lessons. Not only do you find life lessons in books, these lessons can be easier for children to internalize and relate to in the format of a book instead of just telling them. Trelease also says "When you talk about a book together, it's not a lecture, it's more like a coach looking at film with his players, going over the plays to find out what went right and what went wrong." Reading aloud allows for discussion about social issues, beliefs and feelings.
3. Vocabulary. Reading aloud with older children helps to build vocabulary. Researchers found that "books contain many words, expecially the more sophisticated words that children are unlikely to encounter frequently in spoken language. Children's books contain 50% more rare words than prime time television or even college student's conversations. "It is easier to define a word when it is heard in context.
4. Improves Test Scores. Research shows that reading aloud with older readers increases achievement on standardized test scores and helps develop students' reading abilities. The Commission on Reading concluded, "the single most important activity for building knowledge required for eventual success is reading aloud to children" (Anderson et al. 1985, 23). Reading aloud increases students' background knowledge, exposes them to different story structures, and demonstrates reading strategies. All of this factors into increased reading ability and achievement on standardized tests.
Here is what the experts say...
3. Vocabulary. Reading aloud with older children helps to build vocabulary. Researchers found that "books contain many words, expecially the more sophisticated words that children are unlikely to encounter frequently in spoken language. Children's books contain 50% more rare words than prime time television or even college student's conversations. "It is easier to define a word when it is heard in context.
4. Improves Test Scores. Research shows that reading aloud with older readers increases achievement on standardized test scores and helps develop students' reading abilities. The Commission on Reading concluded, "the single most important activity for building knowledge required for eventual success is reading aloud to children" (Anderson et al. 1985, 23). Reading aloud increases students' background knowledge, exposes them to different story structures, and demonstrates reading strategies. All of this factors into increased reading ability and achievement on standardized tests.
Here is what the experts say...
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| Click to hear Mem Fox author of Reading Magic |
Choosing Books to Read Aloud with Your Child
Many parents struggle with how to chose books to read aloud. Below you will find a link to our library page that lists all of the current South Carolina Book Award Nominees, a list of past SC Book Award winners and the South Carolina Picture Book Award Nominees. Be sure to ask your reader for input on which books they are interested in. And the local library is another wonderful place to explore and find books that your reader is interested in, but may not be able to read on his/her own, but can listen and learn.
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| SC Book Award |
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| Past SC Book Award Winners |
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| SC Picture Book Award |
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