Do you read aloud to older children?

[Amagine]

We all know the importance of reading to children. We know the many benefits of it such as the child having an increased vocabulary, love for books, a chance to bond with the reader and much more.

I've been reading that even though adults read aloud to younger children, they tend to stop as the child becomes older (8-13). These are the ages where a decline of children reading for pleasure is happening. It is encouraged for adults to continue reading with older children even into their teenage years.

What is your opinion? Do you think it has become imperative to read aloud or with older children? Do you read with older children? Why or why not?

[Swalleh Brown]

Yes,i do read for olderchildrens. though nowerdays most of children of age 8 and above don't have time to listen to readders or to read by themselves but thanks to God where i live children have the love of listen to readders and they practise readding

[Dolor]

I teach and encourage my daughter to read well and clear regardless of age.

[Alphonse]

Read aloud to children is one among the wide range of parenting roles an adult/Parent/Guardian have to fulfill and I think it does not stop at certain age/ development stage. You have to keep the courage and much more encouragement needs to be given to a child.

[jaylperry]

I read aloud to my 12-year-old and he still seems to enjoy it. He reads a lot on his own, but he seems to get a special sense of closeness from reading together.

Over the years we've read books like Little House, Narnia, Bible stories, Snow Treasure, Roald Dahl, 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, Nancy Drew, etc.

What books do you read aloud with your older kids?

[Maggie G]

This is such a good question! My kids are still pretty little, and love being read to, but I really hope that they’ll still be excited about story time when they’re bigger.

[P0tt3ry]

The older children in our life read to us and we read to them. As a result, they are very comfortable in theater and debate class. Sometimes we do "voices" and sound effects too.

[Fikayo]

Well, i'm not too old myself but then i think it is a good habit especially if the adult listener likes it.

[Faith Atieno okoth]

Reading, helps children in many ways it makes them sharp, if you read with your child you increase his or her chances of good spelling, correct pronunciations and expanding their vocabulary and they feel,high,when talking publicly

[JusCally]

Storytime is the best part of my day, I have no intention of stopping it when my son gets older! I have an almost-5-year-old who loves reading as much as I do, and we take turns working through a stack of books at bedtime. As he grows, and as his reading skills grow, I hope we can still enjoy that peaceful time together.

I love having someone read to me; I find audiobooks incredibly relaxing for this reason. My mother read to my sisters and I well into our pre-teen years, so I'm sure I associate being read to with feeling soothed and safe.

[Jude Austin]

I don't have children myself, but my parents read to me for a very long time! Even after I had my own place, my father would occasionally come over and read to me while I lay on the couch and shut my eyes to imagine the story taking place. It was a lovely way to spend time together, so I'd recommend it to anyone

[holsam_87]

Yes, I do read out to older children. I have read books for children of all ages where I work, as it encourages them to relax and enjoy the story. Plus, it gives a chance to see reading modeled by a more accomplished reader and if any of them are mispronouncing words internally, then they can hear the correct pronunciation from me or from their teachers.

[rcarr13]

I read aloud to my 8 year old, and will continue to do so as he gets older. He enjoys listening to books that might otherwise be above his reading level, and it is a way for us to bond. It's also a great way for him to calm down just before he goes to bed.

[Vscholz]

I am not a parent, so I don't know how much validity my opinion has, but I have been a foster parent (very briefly) for my cousin when she was 9/10. One of the things that I did to bond more with her was read a chapter of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland before bed. I was already somewhat close with her, but I was trying to give her a more stable environment than she had been used to. She really enjoyed it, but, as time went on, she developed more emotional problems so we stopped. Unfortunately, my efforts did not stick as she is not a reader and struggles in school.

I do think it is important to read with older children, either aloud or as an activity. If adults (or older siblings or mentors) read the same book as a child--even if separately, like a book club, it gives them a point of discussion and can strengthen the bond between both parties.

[OloladeO]

My kid is still a baby so I really can't answer this question. I think at that age, the child might prefer reading aloud to you instead.