Reading Aloud To Kids Who Can Already Read |

For many 7 and 8 year olds, being able to read without an adult’s help is incredibly exciting – they can read as much as they want, when they want, for as long as they want… and they get to pick the book. (Captain Underpants, anyone?)

But long after children know how to read and can read well, more experienced readers should still read aloud to them. Why?

Jim Trelease, author of The Read Aloud Handbook, says one of the most compelling reasons to keep reading aloud to children is that their listening level is higher than their reading level, and sharing stories with more complicated and exciting plots and characters improves comprehension and motivates kids to read more.

Looking for ways to have a great read aloud experience with your child?

Let your child pick the book. They can choose a title on their own, or you can pick out a few books, read the summaries and let them have the final say.
Take turns reading. For younger, emerging readers, start by reading a paragraph, and then ask them to read the next one. Continue alternating back and forth. For older children, you can'take turns reading chapters. If you have an older child who is an experienced reader, ask them to read to their younger siblings.
Talk about the books you read together. Find a time when it's convenient – this could be at dinner, traveling to and from school, or right before bed. Ask your child what they did or didn't like about the book and invite them to ask you questions, too.
Make them want more! Stories really do come alive when they're read aloud. End on a chapter that's particularly exciting so they can't wait to find out what happens next. And don't forget that the time you spend together reading and talking (and maybe even laughing or crying, depending on the book) is one of the things that kids crave most.

Here are some of my favourite books to read aloud to older kids: