Learning and Teaching
Reading with older children
As you work and learn at home with your children, it is important that we read to, and with them across the week. We know the benefits of this for younger children, however there are many benefits for reading with your older children as well.
It builds vocabulary. Kids who are read to encounter more words -- and learn how to recognize and pronounce them -- than they would by just being spoken to. And studies show that having a large vocabulary can help kids perform better in school.
It improves comprehension. When kids are engaged and invested in the story, they understand it more thoroughly. You can check in as you go to see whether your kid understands what’s going on and ask what they think will happen next, what they think of the characters, and so on.
It's wonderful for bonding. Positive experiences and warm memories of hearing stories from a loved one can inspire a lifelong love of reading.
It provides positive modeling. Kids learn through observation and modeling. Reading aloud lets them hear what language sounds like. You can also model how to analyze a story as you read and how to figure out the meaning of a word using context clues.
It improves listening skills. Reading aloud nurtures appreciation of rich language and helps train kids' ears for understanding instruction in school.
It's a way to discover the classics. Kids may be put off by the challenging language of Shakespeare or the old-fashioned settings of Jane Austen in school, but in a cozy setting at home, you can help the text come alive as you take on different characters' voices and fill in historical context.
It helps with discussing difficult issues. Kids may tune out if you lecture them about what to do and what not to do. But if you read a story that shows characters grappling with serious conflicts and the consequences of their actions -- or facing bullying, racism, religious or ethnic bias, or gender discrimination -- it's a way into talking about complex, topical matters.
It's a way to Introduce different genres. Reading aloud lets parents introduce kids to different types of books and stories, helping kids learn which kinds they'd like to choose for themselves. Reading a variety of material boosts all kinds of learning. Try poetry, satire, manga, and autobiographies.
It's a portal into your kids' interests. Reading books on subjects or in genres kids love (sci-fi, fantasy, mysteries, thrillers, graphic novels, Norse mythology, Minecraft, whatever!) gives you something to share and discuss, while also putting you on a level playing field -- rather than you always being the teacher who knows more than they do.
It sparks curiosity and a thirst for learning. Nonfiction books make great read-alouds, too. For older kids and teens, try books or articles by journalists covering current or recent events and world issues. And there are lots of popular histories that are so engaging they read like nail-biting fiction.
Taken from - https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/10-reasons-you-should-read-aloud-to-big-kids-too
Deborah Courtney
Director of Teaching and Learning