Is My Child Too Old for a Read-Aloud?

Reading aloud to our children is so important, but is there a time when we need to stop reading to them and let them only read for themselves?

Reading aloud to our children when they are little seems to come naturally. We read board books, Dr. Seuss, and Bible stories without giving it much thought.  However, there comes a point when we just seem to…stop.  We didn’t necessarily think “Oh, it’s time to stop reading aloud”.  They are reading on their own and we just don’t think about it. 

If you are homeschooling, your curriculum may be keeping the practice of reading aloud to your children as a part of your daily routine.  However, for others it seems to be a lost art.

A common practice that is no longer common.

Reading aloud used to be a real form of entertainment. Poetry and Bible verses were read aloud in groups of adults sitting in parlors or with the family after supper when all the chores for the day were done. With the spread of technology, our entertainment choices have increased and family read-alouds have decreased.

So, what are some of the benefits of reading aloud to our children?

1. Reading aloud to our children increases their vocabulary and their fluency. 
2. It promotes reading for all ages. 
   
3. Provides a point of connection between you and your child.
4. Allows you to introduce and discuss difficult topics or moral lessons without it feeling like a lecture.
5. Reading aloud makes complex ideas more accessible because they actually hear on a higher level than they read.
   

Do we ever hit that point where we are “too old” for read-alouds?  I don’t think so.  I remember attending a women’s retreat many years ago.  I was married with my own children and was blessed with a weekend away with other like-minded women.  I don’t remember what the conference was about or where it was, but I do remember one part of our first night. 

We broke away to go to our rooms to put on our pajamas.  Then we met up again in the main room by a large fireplace.  And there a group of grown women sat in pj’s with cups of coffee or hot chocolate and listened as someone read to us a children’s picture book.  I don’t remember the book, but I remember how I felt. 

I felt relaxed…peaceful…less stressed.

So, is there an age that is just “too old” to be read to?  I would say without a doubt….NO!

I had the privilege of hearing Sarah Mackenzie speak at a homeschool convention a few years ago.  She was so encouraging to this new homeschooling momma and reintroduced me to the concept of reading aloud to my daughter. 

You see, I didn’t homeschool my boys and when they got on up in school, I never even thought about reading aloud together (except our traditions on Christmas Eve – the story of Jesus’ birth and ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas). 

For my daughter who is currently in 6th grade, read-alouds are the foundation of our homeschool days.  They are our textbooks.  They are our times to snuggle, to worship, and to learn.  When we have had some times of chaos or transition and I have asked her to read those books on her own, it has not gone over well.  Our times to read together are special times of connection, as well as, learning.

So, I encourage you to grab a book and carve out some time to read to your children, no matter their age.  Make it a new tradition if it is something you haven’t been doing together.  See if you notice any special results in their reading or your relationships. 

Now, go grab a book and your kiddos and read aloud!

Sarah Mackenzie has developed Read-Aloud Revival to encourage families to read together.  She has podcasts and free booklists on her website, so go check it out and see what you may find helpful.P

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