Read Aloud to Your Kids

I know we know the importance of reading aloud to our kids when they can't read themselves, but do you quit reading aloud to your kids when they start to read themselves?

Common Sense Media lists 10 reasons you should read aloud to Big Kids.

1. It builds vocabulary.
2. It improves comprehension
3. It's wonderful for bonding
4. It provides positive modeling
5. It improves listening skills
6. It's a way to discover the classics
7. It helps with discussing difficult issues
8. It's a way to introduce different genres
9. It's a portal into your kids' interests
10. It sparks creativity and a thirst for learning

Now is a great opportunity for you to start reading aloud to your kids if you are not already. Here are some great ideas to read to your kids.

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I have read  Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone with all three of my girls. I read this book with each of my girls when they were in third grade. It was a great starting point for them to start the series. Once we got through the first book together, they took off and read the entire series on their own. (fun fact: If you read the entire Harry Potter series you will have read over 1 Million words!)

1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
2. The One and Only Ivan
3. Anne of Green Gables
4. The Secret Garden
5. Little Women
6. Doctor Dolittle
7. The Great Treehouse War
8. Case Closed: Mystery in the Mansion
9. Winterhouse
10. The Book Wanderers

It really doesn't matter which book you choose, the important thing is to start reading. Grab a book off of your shelf or find one that you loved as a child and want to introduce to them. You won't regret it!