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Why Reading Aloud to Older Children Is Still Important

Updated: Feb 20, 2023

Reading aloud to older children, even though they may be able to read independently, is an important practice that has been shown to have numerous benefits. Research suggests that reading aloud to older children can improve their reading comprehension, vocabulary, and overall enjoyment of reading.


One study conducted by the National Reading Panel (2000) found that reading aloud to children is an effective way to improve their comprehension skills. The study found that when children listen to someone else read, they are able to focus on the meaning of the text, which leads to better comprehension. This is because when children listen to someone else read, they are not distracted by the mechanics of reading, such as sounding out words or decoding, and can instead focus on the meaning of the text.



Another study conducted by the National Center for Family Literacy (2011) found that reading aloud to older children can improve their vocabulary. The study found that when children hear new words in context, they are more likely to understand and remember them. This is because children are able to make connections between the new words and the context in which they were heard, which helps them to remember and understand the words better.


Additionally, reading aloud to older children can also improve their overall enjoyment of reading. A study conducted by the International Reading Association (2013) found that when children are read to, they are more likely to enjoy reading and to choose to read on their own. This is because when children are read to, they are exposed to a wide variety of texts and genres, which can pique their interest and encourage them to explore different types of books on their own.


Reading aloud to older children, even though they may be able to read independently, is an important practice that has been shown to have numerous benefits. Research suggests that reading aloud to older children can improve their reading comprehension, vocabulary, and overall enjoyment of reading. As parents and educators, it is important to continue reading aloud to older children to support their language and literacy development.


References:

  • National Reading Panel. (2000). Teaching Children to Read: An Evidence-Based Assessment of the Scientific Research Literature on Reading and Its Implications for Reading Instruction. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

  • National Center for Family Literacy. (2011). The Impact of Reading Aloud on Vocabulary Acquisition.

  • International Reading Association. (2013). The Importance of Reading Aloud to Children.

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